ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses important policy issues related to air transport and regional development in relation to connectivity and accessibility; dependency; airport governance and regulation; and air traffic control frameworks. It focuses on other policy implications. The book examines the quality of air transport networks, by considering a topology of connectivity and accessibility metrics. It explores a key metric that is useful for policymakers, namely the airport dependency index. The book also examines the important policy areas of airport governance and regulation in a number of European countries. It explores the structure of the air traffic control market in Europe and elaborates on the policy framework. The book examines the Single European Sky policy that aims to reshape airspace and make the air navigation service providers more efficient.
