Spatio-temporal dynamics in airport catchment areas : the case of the New York Multi Airport Region

Using the example of domestic connections departing from the New York Metropolitan Area, this paper contributes to research on airports' catchment areas in Multi Airport Regions by exploring their spatio-temporal dynamics. Given that previous research has consistently shown that airport accessibility and different elements of airport utility (fare, connectivity characteristics, on-time performance) are key drivers of airport choice, we draw the analogy with Huff models to calculate airport attractiveness to passengers in different census block groups. We marshal data sources that allow for an assessment of the spatio-temporal variability in the accessibility and utility of airports, which allows us to compare catchment areas for different times of the day, days of the week, and quarters of the year, and this for different utilities as well as overall utility. Results reveal different types of dynamics, and can be used as the input to follow-up research. We argue that such a model-based approach holds major potential in comparative research and research on MAR dynamics, but should be finetuned through the use of other information sources, refined model specifications, and state preference data