February 2007

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What is an Aerotropolis and what does it mean to Memphis?

An aerotropolis is a city which has centered its economy around and is greatly dependent upon its airport. John Kasarda, a business professor at the University of North Carolina, coined the phrase, and believes Memphis is the closest thing America has to an aerotropolis.

Here in Memphis, one in four jobs in the community is directly or indirectly dependent on Memphis International Airport. At the Memphis Regional Chamber's annual luncheon on December 14, Kasarda explained the most pressing issue now is how to encourage smart growth around the airport, instead of growth in a spontaneous, haphazard way… more »

Memphis is the closest city in America to an aerotropolis because of its cargo capabilities.

News from around the Airport

Arnold Perl, chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) and Tom Schmitt, FedEx Corp. executive, have co-authored a management book titled "Simple Solutions: Harness the Power of Passion and Simplicity to Get Results."

The premise of the book is the right tools combined with clear and enthusiastic leadership will break down complex problems and solve them. The book is broken down into short chapters and reinforcing case studies which help everyone from homemakers to business executives solve problems more efficiently… more »

Simple Solutions
Tom Schmitt and Arnold Perl

The Scoop on Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets can be stressful for both owner and pet. Many owners are concerned with taking their four-legged friends on a plane. There are many things passengers can do to make their pets' travel experience safer and more enjoyable. The first thing any passenger flying with a pet needs to do is call the airline and find out what rules and restrictions they have on pet travel. Many airlines will only allow a limited number of pets on a flight so it is best to check in advance… more »

Pinnacle Airlines Lands New Deals

Memphis-based, Pinnacle Airlines Corp., the parent company of Pinnacle Air Inc., is soaring high right now thanks to a new agreement with Northwest Airlines and the purchase of Colgan Air Inc., another regional airline.

Pinnacle Airlines Inc.'s agreement with Northwest means the regional carrier will continue to fly the 124-plane fleet of 50-seat regional jets on loan from Northwest as Northwest Airlink. Although the carrier will be taking a decrease in pay, it stands to get 17 76-seat Bombardier regional jets this year, provided it can sign a labor agreement with its pilots by March 31… more »

New Passport Requirements for Air Travelers

Spring break is just around the corner and many students and families are eyeing the warm weather in Mexico or the Caribbean. Before you book your vacation make sure you have a valid passport. Last month the rules for air travelers entering the USA from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda changed. Now everyone is required to show a valid passport. Prior to the change in rules, U.S. citizens only needed a valid driver's license or birth certificate… more »