IMPACT OF AIRPORTS ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

摘要

This study investigates the impact that airports have on regional economiccompetitiveness in Norway. In particular, it investigates the importance of two regionalairports; ?lesund Airport and Br?nn?ysund Airport, for local businesses. The studycompares opinions of businesses served by the respective airports and is based on thefindings of an online survey that was completed by over 350 businesses. The analysisfinds that the airports play an important role in securing accessibility for localbusinesses and subsequently support their transport needs, especially for business traveland networking activities. The analysis also finds that air service provision is able toinfluence business investment decisions and the location and retention of businesses.The analysis finds that impacts vary for the different airports and tend to reflect the sizeand scope of services at the airport or specific characteristics of the region.