This paper is looking for verification of the hypothesis mentioned above. Which role do airports play in our society? Do airports eventually boost our economies? Moreover, how do states take influence on airports? The author subdivides the issue further and selects two airports, Munich Airport (MUC), Germany, and the New Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey, to
illustrate particular aspects with specific examples. Both of them function as a hub and spoke airport and therefore present some standard features. However, the main difference is the state and the political system in which they operate.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 What exactly is an airport?
3 The role of airports in our society
3.1 The significance of airports
3.1.1 What does anyone see when we arrive at an airport?
3.1.2 Key Social Infrastructure at the airport
3.1.3 Place of mobility and connectivity
3.1.4 Environmentally‐friendly airport
3.1.5 Influence on the labour market
3.1.6 Social Investment Program
3.1.7 Airport as national identity
3.2 Airports as a catalyst to the local and national economies
3.3 Governments use airports to achieve their political ambitions
3.3.1 Istanbul, Turkey
3.3.2 Munich, Germany
3.4 Interrelationship of airports, governments and society
3.4.1 Current situation
3.4.2 Impact on society
3.4.3 Support from the government
4 Conclusion
5 References
5.1 Books
5.2 Journals and Articles
5.3 Websites
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this coursework is to analyze the multifaceted role that airports play within modern society and their impact on both local and national economies. The study investigates how states influence airport management and development, using the Munich Airport in Germany and the New Istanbul Airport in Turkey as comparative case studies. The core research question addresses whether, and how, airports act as critical socio-economic drivers and how political systems shape their strategic trajectory.
- The strategic significance of airports as critical social infrastructure.
- The comparative analysis of state influence and governance models in airport management.
- The role of airports as catalysts for regional and national economic growth.
- The operational challenges and societal impact of airports during crisis situations, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The intersection of national identity, politics, and infrastructure development.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 What does anyone see when we arrive at an airport?
An airport is undoubtedly a critical social infrastructure. When a passenger arrives on an international flight, the person crosses the state’s border first. The border at an airport is a border within a state and even within a city. This makes it a highly advantageous location for socio-economic reasons. However, this also shows the critical role of an airport in controlling the state border, e.g. controlling arriving passengers with contagious diseases – as it is the case of today in April 2020 for COVID-19 reasons. Passengers who arrive in Germany, e.g. seasonal workers arriving from Romania or passengers returning to the country on a repatriation flight are isolated and placed under quarantine upon arrival. Further, entry screenings at airports support authorities in combatting terrorism.
In the following subchapters, the author describes some of the most significant characteristics of modern airports.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the research hypothesis that airports are crucial to modern society and introduces the comparative framework between Munich Airport and Istanbul New Airport.
2 What exactly is an airport?: This chapter establishes a fundamental definition of an airport beyond its physical function as a terminal, highlighting its role as an integral part of modern life.
3 The role of airports in our society: This extensive section details the significance of airports, including their roles in social infrastructure, mobility, labor markets, and national identity.
3.1 The significance of airports: This section explores specific characteristics such as social investment programs, environmental friendliness, and their influence on connectivity and public health.
3.2 Airports as a catalyst to the local and national economies: This chapter examines the economic impact of airport infrastructure on GDP and regional growth in both the Munich and Istanbul contexts.
3.3 Governments use airports to achieve their political ambitions: This chapter analyzes how political actors exert influence over airport strategy, comparing the Turkish governmental approach with the German model.
3.4 Interrelationship of airports, governments and society: This concluding thematic section evaluates the current operational landscape during the COVID-19 crisis and discusses the ongoing relationship between society and airport viability.
4 Conclusion: The author summarizes the findings, confirming the original hypothesis that airports are strategic national assets regardless of the prevailing political system.
5 References: This section provides a comprehensive list of books, journals, and web sources used throughout the coursework.
Keywords
Airports, Airport Strategy Management, Munich Airport, Istanbul New Airport, Social Infrastructure, Socio-economic impact, Global connectivity, Aerotropolis, COVID-19, National identity, Government, Political influence, Governance, Sustainable development, Economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the pivotal role that airports play in contemporary society, functioning not only as transport hubs but as critical social and economic infrastructure.
What are the central themes covered?
The themes include the economic impact of airports on their regions, the influence of state governance on airport development, the role of airports during global crises, and their function as symbols of national identity.
What is the primary research goal?
The aim is to verify the hypothesis that airports are essential, impactful entities in modern society and to compare how the political systems in Germany and Turkey influence the operation and strategic goals of their respective major airports.
What methodology is employed to analyze the airports?
The author uses a comparative case study approach, focusing on Munich Airport (MUC) and the New Istanbul Airport (IST) to provide concrete, real-world examples of different state management styles and infrastructure impacts.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body focuses on the significance of airports, their catalytic economic effect, the management of mega-projects, and an analysis of how governments balance political ambition with operational necessity.
Which key terms describe the focus of this study?
Key terms include Airport Strategy, Social Infrastructure, Aerotropolis, Economic Impact, Political Influence, and Crisis Management.
How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the analysis in the text?
The text uses the COVID-19 crisis as a current touchstone to analyze how airports function under extreme pressure, emphasizing their role in border control, disaster relief, and the necessity to rethink business models.
What specific governance differences are highlighted between the two case study airports?
The text highlights that the Istanbul New Airport is a project driven directly by the central Turkish government and its political goals, whereas the Munich Airport operates under a more complex, partial privatization model involving state, federal, and local stakeholders.
- Citar trabajo
- Julia Werner (Autor), 2021, Airports as Drive Wheels of our Society. The Role and Significance of Airports, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1248730
