Wealth? Seaports 1780, Airports 2020

Economist and futurist Hamish McRae predicts that in the 21st century, air transportation will drive economies as did the sea trade of the 18th century.

He notes that areas surrounding airports will increase in land value as business transactions increasingly require close proximity to airports.

Within an airport buffer of 5-10 miles, land areas will develop intensive commercial activity as did the chaotic port districts of seafaring towns and cities did in the 1700s.

Shops opened up near where cargo, sailors and travelers disembarked and sold goods from the ships, drawing merchants from interior areas.

This is the primary reason the US developed its north eastern coastline so intensively as it became a economic giant.

What does this mean for eastern Loudoun and western Fairfax?

In the past few years, Dulles airport has experienced the "Southwest effect" of dramatically increased passenger and cargo volume.

Additionally, the local presence of many Latin American, European and Middle Eastern immigrants draws airlines which offer frequent service to serve these population's points of origins. Regular, frequent international air service is the most important factor in an airport becoming a wealth generator according to McRae.

Import/export businessesare beginning to flourish as Dulles increases its capacity. The arrival of the Dulles World Trade Center will advocate for trade agreements and be one of the primary beneficiaries as the rest of the Northeastern air corridor exceeds its traffic capacity.

Land area within a 10-15 minute drive from a major international airport is poised to be some of the most expensive in a metropolitan area in the 21st century.

This bodes well for the Route 50, Dulles Greeneway, Route 28 north, and eastern Route 7 corridors in Loudoun and may be a reason for the intense commercial interest in the area.