The Aerotropolis – a strategy, not a project. ‘Aerotropolis EMEA’ Conference report: Part 1

The Aerotropolis is a process or strategy, not a project. That was the main conclusion of a conference, 'Aerotropolis EMEA', which took place in Manchester, UK, in early Jul-2014.

Attempts were made to define the Aerotropolis and to differentiate it from the 'Airport City' to delegates that ranged in nature from the already well-informed to the absolute beginner. It was interesting to note that several major airports do not use the terms 'airport city' or 'aerotropolis' even though it is widely observed that they have one or the other, or both, themselves.

Moreover, the US FAA does not have a definition of Airport City or Aerotropolis, despite the fact that some of the best examples, and particularly the area around Dallas-Fort Worth airport, can be found in the US. Clearly, these concepts are a process that is still a work-in-progress.