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SESSION VII
access to airports

18 An analysis of the problem

A. STRATFORD, B.Sc., F.R.Ae.S., F.R.S.A.
Aviation Consultant

Access to airports is a key part of the total provision of an economic transport system. This wide-ranging problem is hindered by lack of definition and a need exists to specify the characteristics of a future total system. Effort may ben be directed equally to all modes of transport involved and to the interface and compatibility problems, no less than to the aircraft themselves, to the airports and to the airspace.
Correct airport location is the first essential for major development to be justified. Initially we require a full assessment of the probable future growth of urban and industrial zones and the transport needs on a regional basis, as well as insight into the transport demand spectrum in passengers and in cargo. This leads to the technical and economic feasibility study of the optimum means of linking passenger, mail and freight with the chosen airport complex. 
In parallel with this, the more restricted areas of development such as airport vehicle design, baggage handling methods and passenger transit facilities need equal consideration and an investment in correct relationship to the total cost effectiveness of the air transport system. 
The scale of the air transport complex must always be borne in mind by the planner. Airport facilities and the investment in access for passenger and cargo must be related to scale of demand in a future period. While low work flows are uneconomic, congestion already impedes the efficiency of large capital city airports as is the case with trunk and urban road systems. 
The high annual rates of increase of air traffic require urgent decisions on these problems. While local and regional airports need to grow to provide improved services at lower unit cost, the major world airports can continue to offer adequate public service only with drastic new steps in the control of the airspace and airport environment and in the means of airport access for the user. 
Of immediate concern are existing rail and motorway systems in relation to major airports and the probable need soon to supplement these with high speed links where mass flow justifies it. New transport modes must be continually under review in terms of technology and total economics. 
The cost of special surface transport links to capital city airports may not often be justified. There is a need for continued appraisal of techniques and costs through all stages of the system, as existing and planned, in total effective terms. 
The contributions of the specialist in rail, road and new modes of transport must finally be measured by criteria which it is hoped to establish.