It’s boarding time again, with Louisa taking us on a world tour of some of the leading Airport Cities.  So seat belts on, tray tables up and seats in the upright position as we prepare for take-off.

What is an Airport City?

Traditionally, airports have been developed on the outskirts of urban centres given the negative connotations associated around noise pollution and its industrial facade.  However, with the advent of cheap airfares and a flight network that is continually expanding, the airport is vastly becoming a core for economic development.  Airport innovation and development over time has contributed to an evolving perception of Airports from merely being a place to catch planes to a core in business development.  Internationally, airport development has begun to take many shapes and forms, with many Airports seeking to become an Airport City.  So what makes an Airport City?  The concept of an Airport City is driven by the establishment of a comprehensive mix of activities and uses such as tourism (hotels, golf courses, museums, tourist districts etc), international business (offices, trade and finance centre, convention centre etc.), industry and logistics (aviation, maintenance, distribution etc), residential (student accommodation, townhouses etc.) and others such as hospitals, theme parks, exhibition centres etc.

Who wants to be an Airport City?

Whilst a vast number of airports around the world envisage the development of an Airport City (including our very own Brisbane Airport) there is simply not enough room to outline them all.  However, I found that airport development taking place in Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Incheon to be staggering, particularly given their interconnectivity with their surrounding areas.  The vision of becoming an Airport City has seen some airports take the grandeur, creative approach such as Incheon, whilst others have adopted a more of a business fundamental such as Hong Kong.
 

Hong Kong International Airport
 
Over 48 million passengers passed through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in 2008, undoubtedly contributing to the proactive role of HKIA's airport development.  HKIA envisages the creation of an Airport City targeted towards the provision of a mix of retail, business, entertainment and residential.  Some components include Asia World Expo which comprises some 66,000m2 of entertainment and exhibition facilities, there is also an Airport World Trade Centre comparable to the World Trade Centre situated at the Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and golf course just to name a few.

 

 

 

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
 
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS) is considered to be one of the leading Airport Cities in the world with over 60,000 workers employed within the vicinity of the Airport and over 1,000ha of land dedicated to industrial and commercial precincts.  AAS hosts a mix of commercial offices including the Amsterdam World Trade Centre, retail, conference centres, cargo and logistic parks and for those who consider themselves lucky there is the Holland Casino for passengers beyond customs.
 
Hotel accommodation is also provided for all types of passengers.  AAS have recently introduced the ‘Yotel’ concept which incorporates hotel accommodation in a fraction of the space and comprises 56 standard and premium rooms ranging between 7m2 and 10m2 to cater for those passengers in transit at AAS.

 

 

Incheon International Airport
 
Incheon International Airport (IIA) has taken the sky is the limit approach when it comes to airport development, with planning for IIA envisaged to incorporate the development of Fashion Island, Fantasy World and a Water Park.  Fashion Island is envisaged to be the fashion Mecca of Asia comparable to Paris, Milan or New York with Stage 1 to be completed by 2012 and totalling some 33.6ha.  In contrast Fantasy World is to comprise 494ha of land dedicated to recreation and leisure precinct within IIA that comprises a theme park, leisure resort, retail outlets and hotel accommodation.  IIA also envisages the establishment of a Water Park which is currently under construction and is due for completion at the end of 2010.  The Water Park is to be developed as North Asia’s premier aquatic sports park.
 
Airport City development is not a new concept and is a goal sought  after by a number of airports around the world.  However, it is evident that the foundation for Airport City development has been provided through the implementation of infrastructure within the Airport itself with Airports such as Hong Kong offering multi-modal connections through rail, bus, taxi, car, and ferry.  If airports situated in Hong Kong, Amsterdam or Incheon are anything to go by, it is obvious that Airport City development can prove to be a successful and functional component for economic development that incorporates a multitude of services and facilities.

~ Louisa Davies