Airport consultant John D. Kasarda, a professor at the University of North Carolina, who recently met with officials in Indianapolis, believes this country will see future "aerotropolises" - an approach for future development with the same goals that are prized by business: speed, agility, innovation and global access.  

 

The concept has gained favor in Asia and Europe, while Las Colinas, North Texas' largest Office Park and one of the first master-planned business communities in the world, is an innovative model in the U.S., years ahead of this trend.

 

According to Kasarda:  "Cities have evolved in 'postmodern urban developments' such as Las Colinas just east of Dallas-Fort Worth airport, with global headquarters for four Fortune 500 companies."

And that's just in and around the terminals.

They are projecting their influence 20 miles or more into their communities with industrial and office parks, and are attracting corporate headquarters, manufacturing and logistics, and other development, he said.