Evaluating the Aerotropolis Model for African Cities: The Case of the Durban Aerotropolis

Abstract

A new approach to airport development and associated industrial and commercial land use in its immediate surroundings is gaining prominence around the world, which has become known as the Aerotropolis Model. An aerotropolis is a “smart city” precinct being developed in the surrounding area of an airport, and focusing on business developments in the so-called “first mile” and also in rapid and world-class logistics and connectivity to suppliers, customers, and partners locally and globally. Aerotropoli and their associated business usually flourish in the fields of innovative, high-technology and high value-added sectors, and with business links that are mostly foreign in nature. So, apart from the notion that an aerotropolis can become a fully integrated and modern smart city, they flourish and focus on logistics and commercial facilities and services that emanate from and support aviation-linked enterprise. The plan is that the Durban Aerotropolis will seek to become a unique entry point for the South African and regional tourism industry, and that tourists desiring to visit will be one of the major strategies to increase passenger flows, as well as investors desiring a high return on investment and becoming strategic production and export champions in the region. This chapter looks at evaluating the aerotropolis concept and also assesses the impact that aerotropolis developments could have on African cities of the future.