Detroit Aerotropolis Overview
Photo Credit: Ken Lund via VisualHunt.com

What is an Aerotropolis?

The word Aerotropolis first appeared in a 1939 edition of the magazine, ‘Popular Science’. The concept of an Aerotropolis was popularized by Dr. John D. Kasarda in the early 2000’s when he predicted that the areas close to airports will be able to have faster economic development than other regions. He observed that the fastest form of transportation tends to fuel the development of the surrounding city. 

Having an airport does not make all of the other forms of travel obsolete. The other forms of travel already around the Aerotropolis region, such as major highways, railroads, or seaports are critical to its success.

How Can an Aerotropolis Serve Industry?

An aerotropolis increases the quality of life by attracting jobs that are on the forefront of many important industries. Despite the clichéd use of phrases like “smart jobs” and “new economy”, an aerotropolis is where you see exactly these types of companies and employees. Why? Success in growing industries, from robotics to health care requires talent and speed-to-market. An aerotropolis is the ideal place for both a corporate headquarters and a distribution center.