The Aerotropolis concept arises from the fact that more and more global trade is done via air transport. Historically, cities grew as their harbours, rail networks, and road networks improved. These days, the new driver for the development of great cities is the airport. PEDI has joined discussions with a number of organisations that are keen to develop the idea and is actively seeking opportunities to present the area’s value to potential investors and decision-makers. The PEDI leadership recently attended a workshop at the Cape Town International Airport hosted by Airports Company of South Africa. This was facilitated by the world’s leading Aerotropolis developers, AECOM, and discussions are ongoing with potential partners on what this could mean for Philippi. International research cited by AECOM shows that for every 10% increase in air travel, the regional economy associated with an airport grows 2%, and for every long-haul flight added to a destination, 3,000 jobs are created.

This is an exciting time and PEDI believes the uptake of the idea could be a significant game-changer for Philippi.

A number of organisations are exploring ways to develop the Aerotropolis concept. Some exciting work has been done by Urban Planner Dave Hanly to consider the implications for Cape Town. Hanly’s Masters Thesis on the subject, as well as other useful research, can be read here.