The Aerotropolis

They’re not just airports anymore...

Nowadays, airports have become so massive and sophisticated that they’re essentially cities onto themselves. Municipal leaders no longer view airports as gateways to a destination. Instead, they’ve come to realize the role they play in creating value for an entire region.

Several regions embody this phenomenon including:

• Dallas/Fort Worth: DFW Airport is credited with playing a role in the decisions of several Fortune 500 companies moving to the area. Spanning nearly 30 square miles, DFW Airport is a city onto itself, spawning upscale suburbs and attracting executives and entrepreneurs through convenient suite of flight offerings.

• Atlanta: Atlanta is one of the most progressive cities in the entire world—it’s also home to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport; a recognized Aerotropolis. Similar to DFW Airport, the economic impact of Hartsfield-Jackson is astounding. From waiters to taxi drivers, hotel workers, and a host of other professions, the airport is responsible for the creation of nearly 500,000 jobs.

• Memphis: Memphis likes to call itself, “America’s Aerotropolis”...and they just might have a point. Centrally located with a strong transportation infrastructure and distribution sector, Memphis is a natural logistics hub for businesses and travelers.

These are just a handful of the Aerotropolis airports that dot the aviation landscape of the United States. Why are they important? That’s simple. They’re important because they’ve become intricate parts of the regional brands that leaders are creating, woven into the very fabric of the communities they represent. As the world around us continues to thrive, grow, and expand, the reliance on these properties will increase.