Almost a generation ago, John Kasarda got North Carolina to create the Global TransPark in Kinston, and yet people keep listening to him.

In 1998, FedEx chose the Piedmont airport (PTI) for its cargo hub over GTP and Raleigh-Durham.

In 2005, Kasarda convinced Kansas City to transform its airport into an “aerotropolis” as well as an inland port.

Don’t fret though, Kasarda is trying to convert the Triad into the next aerotropolis.

Maybe PTI has the momentum to transform, but it seems that most of the airports that have developed into cities (e.g., Washington Dulles or Dallas-Fort Worth) served large markets in the first place. Looks like just another excuse to give incentives.