Abstract:
BACKGROUND : During the past few years, with the increase in air traffic and the expansion of
airports, very few industries had such a large spatial development and movement impact as
that of airport-related clusters or airport regions. Although much research was done on the
various impacts of the airport industry, very little research was done on the air cargo industry
in airport regions.
OBJECTIVES : This article specifically explored the unique spatial relationships, impacts, trends
and movement patterns of the air cargo industry within a typical airport region.
METHOD : The article focused on the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, South Africa,
as a case study and was informed by an extensive quantitative spatial and land use analysis
and modelling of the study area.
RESULTS : The article presented findings and insights on the movement patterns and relationships
between (1) the airport facility and (2) the spatial configuration of air cargo industries in the
particular airport region. These findings also provided some framework for a possible spatial
model and guideline that could assist in steering and managing development and movement
patterns in airport regions.
CONCLUSION : The article provided new insights and understanding on the spatial dynamics of
airport regions and the air cargo industry, ultimately addressing some gaps in this knowledge
field. The article in the end highlighted the need for a different and novel approach to the
planning and management of the air cargo industry in airport regions and a basis for further
research.
