Roberta Aguirre
The concept of a monopoly refers to a company that dominates a sector or industry. In the context of airports, there has been debate about whether certain airports, particularly in Europe, hold excessive market power and can be considered monopolies. While some argue that airports are effective monopolies, others disagree, citing studies that found little evidence of monopoly activities. In the board game Monopoly, the Railroads are replaced by Airports in some editions, reflecting the importance of these transportation hubs in our world. Additionally, a unique edition of the game was launched by Hong Kong International Airport, allowing players to buy, sell, and build airport facilities and infrastructure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports | Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles International, New York City's JFK, and Atlanta's Hartsfield–Jackson |
| Chance cards | 'Go directly to Jail – Do not pass Go' |
| Tokens | Baggage trolley, marshaller |
| Other cards | Mileage cards |
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What You'll Learn
Airports in the place of Railroads
The traditional Monopoly board game has been adapted to fit the aviation industry, with airports taking the place of railroads. In the original game, players move their tokens across different properties, buying and developing real estate to drive their opponents into bankruptcy. The objective of the game remains the same, but the airport-themed version replaces the traditional elements with aviation-related ones.
In the airport-themed Monopoly, players can buy, sell, and build airport facilities and infrastructure. The game board features airports such as Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles International, New York City's JFK, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, replacing the railroads of the classic game. This version also introduces unique tokens representing airport elements, such as a baggage trolley or a marshaller.
The Chance and Community Chest cards are also updated to reflect the airport theme, with cards like "Smart Check-in" and "Departure Tax." Additionally, players can avoid the dreaded "Go to Jail" card, which sends them directly to jail without passing Go and collecting their money. This card is particularly relevant in the context of airports, as players would want to avoid any delays or setbacks during their journey.
The airport-themed Monopoly game provides a fun and interactive way to engage with the aviation industry. Players can strategize and make business decisions while navigating through different airports and their unique challenges and opportunities. The game showcases the business aspects of airports, highlighting the competition and market power dynamics within the industry.
While the traditional Monopoly game focuses on real estate, the airport version emphasizes the business operations and infrastructure development within the aviation industry. Players can imagine themselves as airport entrepreneurs, expanding their facilities, attracting travellers, and navigating the challenges of running a successful airport. This version of the game offers a unique twist on the classic, bringing the excitement of air travel and airport management to the Monopoly world.
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Airports as property to buy, sell and build
In the classic Monopoly game, the Railroads are replaced by Airports in some editions, such as the Monopoly: Here and Now version. The airports included are Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles International, New York City's JFK, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson. In this version, the Utilities are also replaced by Service Providers, such as Internet Service Providers and Cell Phone Service Providers. The traditional properties are retained, with the cheapest properties being purple, and "Interest on Credit Card Debt" replacing "Luxury Tax".
In addition to this standard edition, there are also airport-specific versions of Monopoly, such as the Hong Kong International Airport edition. In this version, players can buy, sell, and build airport facilities and infrastructures. They can also visit various locations within the airport, such as the air traffic control tower and restaurants. The game includes unique tokens, such as a baggage trolley and marshaller, and special "Chance" and "Mileage" cards.
The debate over whether airports, in general, have excessive market power and monopolistic tendencies is ongoing. Some argue that airports, particularly in Europe, have effective monopolies due to their dominance in the sector. However, studies, such as the 2012 Copenhagen Economics report, suggest that airline liberalization has increased competition and passenger choice, reducing the likelihood of monopoly activities.
While the specific rules and properties may vary between editions, the inclusion of airports as properties to buy, sell, and build upon in Monopoly adds a unique dimension to the game, reflecting the importance of airports in the real world.
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Airports as monopolies
Despite this, some airports, such as London Heathrow, have been identified as having considerable market power. For example, London Heathrow Airport's landing charges are higher compared to other London airports, but the difference is marginal, suggesting that excessive charges are not prevalent. Additionally, in Germany, Frankfurt Airport has the highest charges in one category, while Berlin Tegel has the highest charges in four out of five categories despite not being a major base for any airline.
In contrast, scrutiny of landing charges in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain suggests that even the busiest hub airports are not necessarily the most costly for airlines. Ownership models, such as public, private, or public-private, also play a role in determining charging regimes. Furthermore, the four main airports in Europe remain the biggest by a significant margin, and in many countries, a small number of airports appear to have considerable power.
While the traditional Monopoly game does not directly address airports as monopolies, a Hong Kong International Airport edition of the game was released, allowing players to buy, sell, and build airport facilities and infrastructure. This unique version of the game provides a fun twist on the classic Monopoly experience, adapting it to the airport context.
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Airports with high landing charges
The concept of airports as monopolies and the impact of landing charges on airlines has been a topic of debate. While some argue that airports, particularly in Europe, exert excessive market power akin to monopolies, others disagree. The scrutiny of landing charges at airports in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain suggests that even the busiest hub airports may not be the most expensive for airlines, and that ownership models influence charging regimes.
London Heathrow Airport has been singled out as an example of an airport with significant market power, able to apply excessive charges beyond what competitive pressures would typically allow. However, the assertion that most airports are monopolies has been challenged, with the argument that airline liberalization, increased competition, and inter-airport substitutability have collectively strengthened the competitive constraints on airports.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands stands out as an airport with notably high charges, although a direct comparison is challenging due to the unique characteristics of each airport and the varying ownership and regulatory frameworks across countries. The correlation between airport size and charges is expected, especially when airports are under common ownership and subject to specific regulations, as seen with the Spanish airports of Madrid, Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca, all managed by AENA.
The impact of landing charges on airport operations and development cannot be overlooked. Capping landing charges, for instance, may deter airports from undertaking infrastructure projects like building new runways due to reduced returns on investment. Additionally, government policies and regulations, such as noise curfews or caps on aircraft movements, can also influence the efficient functioning of airports.
In conclusion, while the discussion surrounding airport monopolies and landing charges is nuanced, it is evident that certain airports possess significant market power, enabling them to impose higher landing charges. However, the dynamic nature of the aviation industry, with its evolving competitive landscape, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development considerations, adds complexity to the debate.
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Airports with exclusive Monopoly editions
The popular board game Monopoly has been updated with a modern twist, featuring airports instead of railroads. The "Here and Now" edition features inflated rents, airports such as O'Hare and JFK, and branded game pieces. Players can choose to be represented by items such as a box of McDonald's French fries or a cup of Starbucks. This version of the game allows players to buy, sell, and build airport facilities and infrastructure. It also includes modern landmarks like Disney World and Las Vegas as properties.
In addition to the general "Here and Now" edition, there is also a Hong Kong International Airport-exclusive version of Monopoly. This edition features six unique airport-inspired tokens, such as a baggage trolley and a marshaller, and surprises hidden in the "Chance" and "Mileage" cards. Players can purchase the game from HKairportshop.com, but delivery is limited to Hong Kong only.
The introduction of airports in these editions of Monopoly reflects the real-world dynamics of the airport industry, which has been described as a natural monopoly due to the high barriers to entry and limited scope for competition. Airports have become hubs for commercial activity beyond just aeronautical services, with non-aeronautical facilities such as restaurants, hotels, and car parking contributing significantly to their revenues.
Overall, the inclusion of airports in these Monopoly editions adds a contemporary element to the classic game, providing players with a fun and engaging way to spend their time while also reflecting the economic significance of airports in the modern world.
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Frequently asked questions
In this version of the game, players can buy, sell, and build airport facilities and infrastructures. Players can also visit the air traffic control tower and eat at airport restaurants.
The game features six unique airport-inspired tokens, including a baggage trolley and a marshaller.
The Chance cards include "Go directly to Jail – Do not pass Go." Players are advised to avoid this card, especially since Hong Kong Airport is running at a fraction of its usual traffic levels.
