Atlanta's efforts to attract new cargo traffic to its airport will require new facilities on site as well as new facilities for industries nearby.
Jim Burress writes about the difficult, but lucrative, prospect of generating more cargo traffic at airports—a current goal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Although Atlanta's airport is the world busiest for passenger traffic, it doesn't crack the top 30 in cargo, a list populated by Louisville, Anchorage, and Indianapolis.
While traditional cargo markets are stagnant, the airport is looking to create facilities that cater to a unique sector of cargo: perishable goods, like pharmaceuticals and fresh flowers.
Burress also speaks with Enno Osinga who runs cargo operations at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and serves as Vice Chair of Vice-Chair of The International Air Cargo Association. Here are Osinga's telling words about airports and their relationship to the surrounding city: "An airport, if you look at it unkindly, is a bit of concrete. It’s got runways. It’s got aprons…They’re all the same."
Adds Burress: "The key to bolstering cargo operations, Osinga says, is to convince industry to build nearby."
FULL STORY: The new growth engine for airports: cargo
The Elite Helicopter Commutes of N.Y.C.
Helicopters are an exclusive mode that lets those who can afford it avoid the time and inconveniences of on-the-ground travel. But, say critics, it just highlights the gap between the city's haves and have-nots.
The Best and the Worst Airports to Access
If you want great access to an airport, go overseas—that's the main finding of a study by Golden Gateway Alliance, a Manhattan-based airport advocacy organization. Tied for dead-last in terms of access is Denver and a certain New York airport.
RFQ Released for Atlanta's Planned 'Airport City'
The city of Atlanta is moving forward with a plan to upgrade the world's busiest airport to "Airport City" status.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie