Airport Economics

Airports are important asset providers for the aviation sector. Airports generally have distinctive business models to airline despite being mutually dependent on each other. Airlines can change their strategies more quickly based on changes in traffic flows whilst airports need to make longer-term decisions based on traffic forecasts over longer timeframes to ensure capacity is always ready, available and serviceable for its users.

This class is highly relevant to anyone wishing to better understand the airport business in the 21^st century inclusive of the unique regulatory and sustainability-related constraints in which they increasingly must operate. Key concepts of airport economics and their applications will be covered such as traffic forecasting, user charges, operating and capital cost structures, ownership and control structures and airport benchmarking to measure airport business performance.

By the end of this class, participants will be equipped to:

1. Explain key economic principles driving airport business models and operations
2. Interpret ICAO guidance and regulatory frameworks related to airport charges and economics
3. Analyze ownership, control, and concession structures in airport management
4. Apply traffic forecasting and cost analysis to support strategic decisions
5. Assess revenue streams and financial performance across aeronautical and non-aeronautical activities
6. Conduct benchmarking and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for airport development projects

1. Airport Managers and Executives
2. Financial and Commercial Managers in Aviation
3. Civil Aviation Authority Representatives
4. Regulators and Policy Advisors
5. Airport Planners and Consultants
6. Aviation Economists and Analysts