The growth rate of air freight transportation closely follows the growth rate of manufactured products. At present, 1% of all manufactured products shipped internationally are transported by air (the comparable figure for all commodities is 0.05%). This tonnage represents 12% of the value of manufactured goods. In 20 years, it is expected that the tonnage of manufactured goods transported by air will be 10% with a value of 30%. Rapid door-to-door transportation time must be maintained if savings are to continue to accrue to the user. As the urbanization process persists, more space near airports must be reserved for manufacturing industries and rapid ground pick-up and delivery services developed. Urban planners must be told by the air freight industry what the industry requires of the community. Such directives should consider the total transportation system not just airport facilities.
