Let's fast-forward to when I've built my airport. What happens then?
You'll have to decide whether to concentrate on cargo, passengers or both. At the start of the game you're given enough cash to build a small airport, and then you've got to start winning the contracts that are going to start earning you money. This involves making your airport easily accessible for passengers if that's what you're after, and that involves making them happy when they're at your airport.

Of course they'll be happy! They're going on holiday!
They'll be pretty cheesed off if you've neglected to equip your building with, say, information monitors. Or phones. Or chairs. Or check-in desks. Or...

Again, Jesus wept! I'll be swamped.
We've said it's detailed but the game's designers and developers Krisalis are keen to stress that they're aiming for a balance between depth and gameplay. They're aware that it would be stupid to give the player so much to do that they get bogged down, rather than enjoying the buzz of managing a thriving, dynamic airport and dealing with problems as and when they arrive. This is, after all, only a game.

Well, that's good then. You know, I reckon I could run an airport.
And you'll enjoy it too. The early version we've been playing around with is a lot of fun. Sure, there's lots to do and that can be overwhelming to start with, but like all these games, once you've been through the tutorial it all starts to make sense.

And what of weather, eh? You can't fly when it's too foggy.
Indeed not, and as well as having to deal with and compensate for the variable weather conditions, you'll have to plan for such events as terrorist attacks, employee conflicts and emergency landings, among others.

I can't wait!
Taxi to Runway 9 and await clearance from the control tower.

* Masses of detail
* Splendid 3D graphics
* Full control over every aspect of the game
* Compete for airline contracts
* Will be overwhelming to start with