The need to make the entire air cargo handling operation as efficient and cost effective as possible may draw airport management into participating more in regional intermodal/multimodal planning and investment decision-making. Cargo distribution practices are currently maturing from separate and distinct multimodal functions into integrated seamless logistics pipelines. Airport management can no longer view the investment impact and operating decisions solely within the confines of the airport boundary. The speed, efficiency, and costs of the on-airport portion of this logistics pipeline have a direct influence on the regional cargo distribution system.
Logistics Parks are an important consideration for many airports. Airports will need to view the air/land/sea interface of the cargo operation in a much broader regional service context with an active sharing of information between regional public and private agencies and organizations concerning service and investment opportunities. One of the looming prospects brought on by the continual deregulation of the trucking industry will be the development and location of intermodal terminals. These will serve as a regional sorting and distribution centers for cargo coming from multiple locations including the airport. The location, operation and access to the airport of such intermodal terminals will be of keen interest to airport management.
The escalating change occurring within the industry exemplifies the need to pursue flexible design and construction of cargo facilities and infrastructure. The ability to reconfigure facilities without massive redevelopment will save substantial capital investment as technology and operating procedures evolve. This should be high on the list of priorities for airports.