Airport Design And Development
Before 1945, any level field was looked upon as a viable landing strip for airplanes, and it was generally believed that the presence of a gas pump made an airport ready for commercial traffic. After World War II, the advent of integrated, engineered systems of paved landing surfaces, flood lit runways, and terminal complexes made passenger convenience, airline efficiency, economy in construction and operational safety the cornerstones for the rehabilitation and development of airports worldwide. This new concept of design and development of airports with the end-user in mind transformed the use of aircraft technology from a novel form of postal and military transportation into an economic powerhouse. Today, airports employ millions of people worldwide, allow for efficient transport of fresh food, mail, packages and other goods, and provide affordable and convenient business and vacation travel. Through the use of local businesses for airplane maintenance, food catering to airlines, and ground transportation to and from airports, surrounding communities thrive. Retail shops, hotels and restaurants in and around airports ensure that aviation dollars are channeled throughout communities.
Kansai International Airport: A Monument of the Millennium
Since it opened in September 1994, the annual number of international passengers using the hub has increased from 2.5 million to more than 25 million.
