Defining the airport

Abstract

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association of the world’s airlines founded in 1945, defines an airport through the three descriptions, which it states are of equal and relevant value. The first, dealing with movement, is that of ‘a facility where a transfer is made between the surface mode and the air mode’. The second, taking the marketing aspect is of ‘a commercial enterprise whose mission is to provide passengers and shippers with facilities and services that meet their needs’. Referring to the economic view, the third describes an airport as ‘a business centre with important local and regional economic benefits’, hence as ‘a complex intermodal facility meeting the needs of passengers and shippers’. (Introduction to Airport Operations, 2015, pp. 47-48.) [excerpt]