Beijing Capital Airport is currently under construction for 2008 Olympic Games. The whole expansion project will be expected to be completed by the end of 2007. The Kenan Institute has co-hosted a forum in Beijing to help Chinese officials do preparation work for the logistical challenges of the Olympic Games. What do you think is the most pressing issue about logistics? Do you think Beijing is ready?

Beijing is not ready now, but Beijing will be ready in 2008. The Chinese government is putting in place the infrastructure. They want the people-athletes, observers -- to move around very efficiently. Anticipating problems is the issue of crisis management. So if something happens in terms of natural disaster, the central government is working diligently so that the games would still continue.

Will there be challenges? Absolutely! Millions of people will come in. I have confidence that the Chinese government will minimize the problems and optimize the chances everything going on smoothly.

Profile of John Kasarda

Dr. John D. Kasarda is an expert on aviation infrastructure, logistics, demographics, urban development and commercial real estate. Up till now, he has published nine books and over 80 academic articles. He is considered to be the leading developer of the "Aerotropolis" concept defining the roles of aviation and airports in shaping the 21st century urban growth.

He was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his research on airport-driven economic development and is a senior fellow and trustee of the Urban Land Institute.

Dr. Kasarda has offered numerous executive programs on logistics, global supply-chain management and new air transportation infrastructure to multinational firms such as FedEx, DHL, Caterpillar, Prudential Real Estate, Bank of America, etc. Under his leadership, the Kenan Institute was named the world's top air logistics educational institution by The International Air Cargo Association for its work on airports and industrial development.

(The author is a Ph. D. candidate in Duke University)