Aerotropolis Supply Chain Advantage

As noted in today’s news section, airports with new infrastructure and access to population centers will remain dominant in the air cargo arena.

The top three “aerotropolis” districts—the areas surrounding these cargo-intense airports—stand out in JLL’s annual “Airport Outlook Report.”

1. Chicago O’Hare (ORD) moves to the top position, up from second in last year’s index. Infrastructure is a priority, with new cargo facilities planned that offer both airside and landside access. For supply chain executives, the greater Chicago market offers six major railroad connections, and is a one-day drive to nearly a third of North American consumers. This positions ORD as a gateway of choice- and investors are noticing that buildings are commanding higher rents than ever before within a 3-mile radius from ORD.

2. Miami (MIA) scores second highest in the index, down from the top position in last year’s report. The airport and surrounding businesses control the food and flower trade (moving 71.2 percent of all U.S. perishables) and the lack of a single dominant carrier makes room for enhanced competition and demand for real estate.

3. Los Angeles (LAX) moved up in the rankings from last year’s report, and now ranks third. Freight-forwarders were especially active near the airport in 2013, and real estate demand from logistics providers, consumer non-durables and food & beverage was notable throughout the surrounding market. China remains LAX’s largest trading partner, followed by Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea; goods that enter through this access point help serve Los Angeles County’s ten-million-strong population.