The Aerotropolis Institute Africa (AIA) is an emerging professional institute as a result of joint venture between the UKZN and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Its primary aim is to contribute to the body of knowledge on aerotropoli and mainstream aviation industry through research and development; collaborating and partnering with local, international and continental institutions to deliver educational programmes that will develop aerotropolis human capital. In order to achieve this, it will build a global panel of aviation and aerotropoli experts to develop thought leadership; and to advocate for policy shifts in support of aerotropolis related developments and air transport liberalisation initiatives.