In an era of hyper-competition, airports serve various demands and play a critical role in enhancing regional and global economic growth. But hastening economic development is the final result of the way airport management consortiums have evolved over the last quarter of a century, increasing traffic, developing market-oriented solutions and outlining responsible business commitment. Airport groups have evolved in parallel with airline multi-brand groups, allowing together the development of new destinations, impacting capacity and optimizing traffic layout. The accelerated manner in which global airport groups have progressed since the beginnings of airport privatization is analyzed by the authors and performance metrics showing business development, improved services and enhancement in international competitiveness are researched. Also, the quality of airport administration is reviewed through the strategies, objectives, activities and results. Commencing by analyzing airport companies' proficiency, financial and nonfinancial indicators, the authors determine if there is a connection between market experience and performance and show how the global groups have established their positions as leading consortiums, adapting to the business environment.After studying the visions of airport investors/operators that are setting standards worldwide, concentrating their efforts on economic, social and environmental priorities, the paper addresses the strategies and programs that influence airport development and boost regional economic activity. The authors' exploratory analysis ultimately materializes in a risk assessment associated to current influences of airport groups and indicates that further challenges for global airport groups mean focusing their efforts in electing the best strategies and policies for improving efficiency through responsible business.