Il trasporto aereo delle merci: recenti evoluzioni, scenari geografici e ruolo di Malpensa

[Machine translation] The work is part of the research line typical of transport geography. In particular, attention is focused on air freight transport because it is a modal solution that has been developing strongly in the last four decades, because it is the sign of an economic system in rapid transformation and, last but not least, because it constitutes an area of considerable interest for geography, even if little treated., From a methodological point of view, the first part highlights the peculiar characteristics of air cargo transport (the so-called “air cargo”), through the examination of the literature, and its growing importance is emphasized through a dynamic reading of the strong link existing between this mode of transport and the transformations of production systems and distribution processes on a global scale., The second part illustrates the specificities and recent dynamics of air cargo transport through a description of the global scenario of cargo flows, which makes it possible to highlight the regions most relevant today and the peculiar configuration of the European reality., The final objective of the work is to outline the distinctive features that have characterized the development of air cargo traffic in Italy and in particular at the Malpensa airport (and its catchment area), with the intention of understanding its strategic choices and future potential. Finally, through the article, it is intended to highlight the significant contribution that the geographical approach can produce in a little-known but strategic sector.