Airports are essential elements of national, regional and local economic development strategies and policies. Specifically, airport enterprise contributes to the development of economic activities using advanced methods. _x000D_
This infrastructure is the ideal tool to encourage the development of major events in the neighboring area, such as exhibitions, congresses, and international fairs. The centrality of the airport enterprise in M.I.C.E. tourism highlights its potential to generate local economic growth._x000D_
In order to maximize the efficiency of the airport in a given area, the maximum synergy between the airport and the territory is required. To be able to carry out a realistic assessment of the economic impact of an airport on the local territory, it is necessary to accurately define the phenomena to be analyzed (Coppola, Panaro, 2008)._x000D_
The aim of this research is to analyze and verify the opportunities offered to those non-aviation activities which are still related to the airport business, in the various business processes, contributing to expand the literature on territory opportunities and transport infrastructure._x000D_
The paper has been conducted using a qualitative research methodology (Yin 2014). Initially, it presents an analysis of the literature on the opportunities offered by the airport enterprise and its accessibility, in order to describe the ability of a single territory, characterized by residential settlements and economic and productive activities, to derive benefits and competitive advantage from this infrastructure (Pencarelli, Forlani, 2002). The centrality of the airport in generating local economy growth opportunities will then be demonstrated through multiple case studies._x000D_
To summarize, the purpose of this research is to answer the following questions:_x000D_
RQ1. Why airports can be considered enterprises?_x000D_
RQ2. How can a non-aviation company derive a competitive advantage from the airport infrastructure?
Federico Maria Sottoriva; Enza Curcio; Elvira Russo
Università Giustino Fortunato (Benevento, Italy)
ID Abstract: 139