SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to analyse the developments of Libya's air transport systems and infrastructures by analysing the evolution of these spatial organisations. Certain underlying factors are examined in order to explain these developments including the political element influencing the changing flows in, and structures of, the networks. The Study emphasises the need to examine similar systems in other developing countries in the light of internal political forces, and the impact of the policies of the major suppliers of air transport technology. The Preface defines the subject matter and methodology. The Introduction deals with the topic in order to introduce the ideas presented in the subsequent chapters of this thesis. The remainder of this thesis is divided into six chapters so that each covers a distinctive aspect of development. Chapter 1 investigates air transport in Libya in the pre-independence period before 1951, concentrating on the immediate pre-Independence years. Chapter 2 examines the impact of oil as an indigenous factor enabling the development of the Libyan air transport systems and infrastructure. The macro planning processes in Libyan air transport are considered in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 places the contemporary developments in Libya's international and domestic air networks in their wider geographical con-text with special reference to the four North African national airlines. Chapter 5 analyses the geographical and political aspects of the organisation of the Libyan air transport systems with emphasis on the predictions for changes in their organisation as a consequence of the removal of the administrative centre of the country from the historic location of Tripoli. This chapter also considers the revival of the strategic significance of the Libyan airport system. Chapter 6 considers the aircraft fleet aspect of Libyan air transport and throws light on the ability of the US Government to single handedly prevent its updating and to obstruct efforts towards an efficient system.