This document discusses airport management models in Spain and Catalonia. It notes that Spain currently has a centralized public model under AENA, but that Catalonia is moving towards a more decentralized model. Specifically, it argues that Barcelona airport should establish itself as an intercontinental hub through strategic policies that encourage long-haul carriers rather than solely focusing on low-cost carriers, in order to better connect Catalonia to the global economy.

1. CATALAN AIRPORTS NETWORK From a low cost paradise to an efficient model

2. INTERNATION MANAGEMENT MODEL

3. CURRENT SPANISH MANAGEMENT MODEL Strictly public and centralizedmanagement of airports in Spain and its main economic implications. State ownership.

4. AENA MODEL Control of air space + ownership of the infrastructures. 48 airports (just 9 had profits in2009). Lack of competition between airports.

5. ABOUT AENA CONSEQUENCES Redistribution system. Public policy doesn’t maximize welfare. Trade-off between efficiency and equality. Globalized economy -> needing worldwide mobility. The ability of airports and airlines to channel this flow is a central factor in determining the amount of non-stop long distance flights offered from a particular airport (AENA model does not facilitate this). Centralization of long-haul traffic in Madrid airport.

6. THE OTHER NATIONAL AIRPORTS Girona: Ryanair’s main airport in southern Europe. Reus: an important basisfor British carriers . Lleida – Alguaire: a new airport owned by the Catalonian Government.

7. BALANCE

8. WHY DO WE NEED A DECENTRALIZED MODEL? To implement flexible strategies in order to differentiate each airport. To better manage the profits of each infrastructure.

9. ABOUT BARCELONA AIRPORT Has surpassed the European average in terms of growth from 2000. 66%. (Only London Stansted has had a higher growth rate).

10. BARCELONA: AN INTERCONTINETAL HUB The new management model should promote (with routes and prices) the airlines that want to connect Catalonia to the rest of the world. Airport authorities should have strategic commercial policies that discourage low cost companies (currently, low cost traffic represents more than 40%).

11. BARCELONA CURRENT INTERNATIONAL ROUTES

12. WHY IS LOW COST NOT THE SOLUTION FOR BCN? Globalized economy -> needing worldwide mobility. Operational conditions: Does not allow through check-in (only point-to-point flights). Does not allow connections. Inadequate schedules. Opportunity cost. Low cost carriers have other airports to establish their bases.

13. THANKS! From a low cost paradise to an efficient model