Original Research

Spatial relationships and movement patterns of the air cargo industry in airport regions

Petrus J. van V. Coetzee, Pieter A. Swanepoel
Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management | Vol 11 | a297 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v11i0.297 | © 2017 Petrus J. van V. Coetzee, Pieter A. Swanepoel | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 09 February 2017 | Published: 29 May 2017

About the author(s)

Petrus J. van V. Coetzee, Department of Town and Regional Planning, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Pieter A. Swanepoel, Department of Town and Regional Planning, University of Pretoria; City Planning Department, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

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.

 


Keywords

air cargo; airport regions; aerotropolis; movement patterns of air cargo

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Crossref Citations

1. Supply chain micro-communities in urban areas
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