Air Baron

About this board game

Air Baron is a hybrid business and war game for 2–6 players, with games lasting about 120 minutes. Released in 1996, it puts competing airlines in a struggle for control of the American skies.

Each turn, the active player chooses between making an investment or entering Fare Wars. Choosing Fare Wars means giving up income for that round, then paying and rolling dice in an attempt to take over individual spokes connected to major-city hubs.

Control of these locations is central to the game’s changing airline market. Players work to claim spokes and control hubs, building the market share they need while managing their available cash and any financial obligations.

• Invest or enter Fare Wars on your turn.
• Pay and roll dice to take over individual spokes.
• Compete for control of major-city hubs.
• Generate income by randomly drawing purchased spokes and controlled hubs.

Income is generated through random draws of purchased spokes and controlled hubs, creating an unpredictable flow of revenue. The decision to pursue income or temporarily forgo it for a chance to expand during Fare Wars is a key part of every turn.

To win, a player must have no outstanding loans and reach the winning target with a combination of market share and cash on hand. That target changes according to the number of players, so the finish line varies from game to game.

With its blend of investment, dice-driven takeovers, hub control, random income, and shifting victory targets, Air Baron presents a focused contest for airline dominance. Every game asks players to balance financial growth against the risks of fighting for a larger share of the skies.