Ranked the world's busiest cargo hub for 18 consecutive years and recognised as America's first aerotropolis, it is little wonder that Memphis International Airport is considered a pioneer of airport city development.

The term 'aerotropolis' was first coined by Dr John Kasarda in his article for the July 2006 edition of Fast Company in which he defined it as a community that grows, or is even created, with an airport as its economic engine. He singled out Memphis as the best example of this.

So why has Memphis International Airport been such a success? The story begins in a most unlikely place - the halls of the Tennessee General Assembly.

There, in 1969, enabling legislation established the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, allowing the airport to invest, grow and prosper to meet the aviation and economic development needs of the region.

While leadership has proved essential in forging the aerotropolis vision, Memphis has also been able to draw on two great historical strengths - music and logistics.

"To understand Memphis' aerotropolis evolution, you first must understand Memphis. Ours is a city that takes pride in its leadership and its position in both the world of tourism and entertainment, and the world of international distribution and logistics," says Larry Cox, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

FedEx established its world headquarters at Memphis International in 1973 and today processes an average of two million packages per night through this hub, along with a considerable amount of other airfreight.

The city also boasts a rich musical heritage; first as the home of Blues with the historic Beale Street district spawning many musical greats, to another Gospel and Country inspired icon, Elvis Presley.

Memphis has been an important distribution hub since the 19th century when lumber and cotton were transported by river and rail. Today this has been surpassed in overall economic impact by air cargo, with Memphis now boasting the globe's largest, fastest and most well connected logistics complex.

"In just three years since the term aerotropolis appeared, Memphis has taken great strides to earn the title we have been offered. I have no doubt we will more than earn it in the future," comments Cox.