Castelo Branco Municipal Aerodrome as a hub for regional development

Purpose: This study carries out a standardized analysis of the importance of an aerodrome in the Central Region (NUT II) of Portugal, focusing on the potential economic and social impacts resulting from the development of one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world today. The study is based on the hypothesis that an aerodrome, articulated with the Portuguese airport network, can transform a region of the country where is inserted, by attracting population and skilled labor, investments and tourist activities, with a crucial direct impact on other sectors, thus contributing to cohesion with other regions of the country. Design/methodology: In methodological terms, this paper will mainly make use of digital search engines by consulting books, repositories, databases, media articles and technical documents from entities in the aviation sector. The analysis includes a case study of the Castelo Branco region, an area marked by the problems that most affect the Central Region, namely its distance from decision-making centers, its ageing population and the fact that it is losing out in absolute numbers every year. To analyze the regional development potential of the Castelo Branco aerodrome, this study begins by characterizing the region in economic, geographical and demographic terms, as well as characterizing the aerodrome and assessing its viability. To this end, a comparison is made with the impact of the Ponte de Sor aerodrome, located in the Alentejo region, with a reality close to that of Castelo Branco. Findings: The results show that regional development from the Castelo Branco aerodrome is a reality and describe the conditions that are most conducive to this development, as well as the challenges that exist and could condition the development of its aerodrome. Originality/value: This paper aims to highlight the importance of investing in regional airport infrastructures to drive local development, through a study of the current state of global aviation, the Portuguese airport network, and the current context of an airport infrastructure.