Airports have evolved as drivers of urban development in the 21st century, much as railways shaped cities in the 19/20th centuries. This session explores airport city real estate development, from strategic planning and site selection to financial models and governance structures. Drawing on airport city concepts, we'll examine how airports can unlock landside assets, attract investment and generate substantial non-aeronautical revenues while stimulating regional economic growth and creating new business ecosystems around aviation and surface transportation infrastructure.

• Understanding airport city concepts and how airports drive 21st-century urban development
• Strategic considerations: land use planning, tenant mix, transportation integration and regional positioning
• Current development trends including advanced manufacturing, mobility hubs and cross-border trade facilities
• Development models: ground leases, joint ventures, special districts and public-private partnerships
• Airport benefits: non-aero revenue generation, asset optimization and regional economic catalysts