Sharing experience in developing aerotropolis

 Ho Van Ha, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai City People's Committee, on August 13 held a working session with Dr. John D. Kasarda, professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Director of the China Institute for Aerotropolis Development, and leaders of Sovico Group JSC on developing an airport city and aerotropolis centered on Long Thanh International Airport.

Ho Van Ha, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People's Committee, receives and holds a working session with Dr. John D. Kasarda and leaders of Sovico Group JSC. Photo: Pham Tung

At the meeting, Dr. John D. Kasarda shared his experience in developing the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone in China. According to Kasarda, an aerotropolis is an urban economic region whose infrastructure, land-use planning and economic activities are centered around an international hub airport. An aerotropolis has two main components: a multimodal, multifunctional airport city at its core, comprising aviation, logistics and commercial facilities; and suburban corridors and clusters of aviation-oriented businesses and industries that support one another and are connected to the airport and other key transport infrastructure.

Vice Chairman Ho Van Ha speaks at the meeting. Photo: Pham Tung

A successful aerotropolis requires the coordinated development of infrastructure, commercial real estate and supportive government policies. Key factors in developing an aerotropolis include attracting high-quality investment and talent, promoting trade in high-value goods and services, enhancing the competitiveness of the city and surrounding metropolitan area, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Drawing on the development experience of the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone, Kasarda outlined a strategic roadmap for an Aerotropolis 4.0, comprising four key steps: developing airlines and flight routes, building business clusters, attracting talent, and creating a livable airport city.

Ho Van Ha expressed his appreciation for Kasarda's expertise and the experience shared by Sovico Group leaders in developing the aerotropolis model.

Dr. John D. Kasarda shares his experience in developing the aerotropolis model at the meeting. Photo: Pham Tung

According to Ho Van Ha, Phase 1 of Long Thanh International Airport is expected to commence commercial operations by the end of 2026. Dong Nai is accelerating the planning and development of an airport city and aerotropolis centered on Long Thanh International Airport. The city therefore needs expert input and experience to effectively develop these models.

The Vice Chairman asked relevant departments, agencies and localities to study Kasarda's experience and submit their recommendations to the Department of Finance for compilation. The recommendations will serve as a basis for completing the planning and strategy for developing an airport city and aerotropolis centered on Long Thanh International Airport.

By P. Tung – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha