Learn how to determine airport capacity using a comprehensive method that considers demand, infrastructure, technology, operations, environment, and regulations.

Staffing Levels: Evaluating the staffing levels across various departments such as security, operations, maintenance, and customer service to ensure adequate coverage based on peak and off-peak periods. Skillsets and Training: Identifying the necessary skillsets and training requirements for different roles within the airport workforce to meet operational needs and safety standards effectively. Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Fostering a positive work environment, providing adequate training and support, and offering competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain skilled personnel.

When it comes to airport investments, especially in complex or very complex operational environments, there is a very thin line between the investments made or to be made from the airport operator's point of view and those to be made by the air navigation service provider in support of the operations. This is to say that, particularly when it comes to new technology, it is essential to be fully aligned on common and shared objectives so as not to affect future performance.

What is the optimal way to determine airport capacity?

Airport capacity is a crucial factor for efficient and sustainable airport management. It refers to the maximum number of aircraft movements, passengers, or cargo that an airport can handle within a given time period and under certain conditions. However, determining airport capacity is not a straightforward task, as it depends on various factors such as demand, infrastructure, technology, operations, environment, and regulations. In this article, you will learn about the optimal way to determine airport capacity using a systematic and holistic approach.

1 Demand analysis

The first step in determining airport capacity is to analyze the current and future demand for airport services. This involves collecting and processing data on the number and type of aircraft movements, passengers, and cargo that use the airport, as well as their origin, destination, and schedule. Demand analysis also requires forecasting the growth and variability of demand over time, taking into account factors such as economic trends, market trends, customer preferences, and competitive forces.

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2 Infrastructure assessment

The second step in determining airport capacity is to assess the existing and planned infrastructure of the airport. This includes the physical components of the airport such as runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, gates, baggage handling systems, and parking facilities. Infrastructure assessment also involves evaluating the technical systems of the airport such as air traffic control, navigation, communication, security, and information. Infrastructure assessment aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the airport infrastructure, as well as the opportunities and threats for improvement.

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3 Technology evaluation

The third step in determining airport capacity is to evaluate the potential impact of new and emerging technologies on airport performance. This includes the technologies that can enhance the efficiency, safety, security, and environmental sustainability of airport operations, such as satellite-based navigation, automation, artificial intelligence, biometrics, and renewable energy. Technology evaluation also involves exploring the opportunities and challenges for adopting and integrating these technologies into the airport system, as well as the costs and benefits of doing so.

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4 Operations analysis

The fourth step in determining airport capacity is to analyze the current and future operations of the airport. This involves measuring and monitoring the key performance indicators of the airport such as throughput, delay, reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction. Operations analysis also requires modeling and simulating the different scenarios of airport operations, such as peak hours, off-peak hours, normal conditions, adverse conditions, and emergency situations. Operations analysis aims to optimize the use of airport resources, minimize the negative impacts of congestion, and maximize the value for customers and stakeholders.

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5 Environment assessment

The fifth step in determining airport capacity is to assess the environmental implications of airport activities. This includes the environmental impacts of airport operations such as noise, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, waste generation, and biodiversity loss. Environment assessment also involves complying with the relevant environmental regulations and standards, as well as implementing the best practices and initiatives for reducing the environmental footprint of the airport, such as noise abatement, carbon offsetting, water recycling, and waste management.

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6 Regulation review

The sixth and final step in determining airport capacity is to review the legal and regulatory framework that governs the airport. This includes the national and international laws and regulations that affect the airport operations, such as aviation safety, security, customs, immigration, and taxation. Regulation review also involves understanding the roles and responsibilities of the different authorities and agencies that oversee and coordinate the airport activities, such as the civil aviation authority, the airport operator, the airlines, and the service providers. Regulation review aims to ensure the compliance and alignment of the airport with the applicable rules and standards, as well as the coordination and cooperation of the airport with the relevant stakeholders.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dwight Pullen, Jr.

Senior Vice President, Global Aviation Leader at AECOM
(edited)
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Staffing Levels: Evaluating the staffing levels across various departments such as security, operations, maintenance, and customer service to ensure adequate coverage based on peak and off-peak periods. Skillsets and Training: Identifying the necessary skillsets and training requirements for different roles within the airport workforce to meet operational needs and safety standards effectively. Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Fostering a positive work environment, providing adequate training and support, and offering competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain skilled personnel.

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Roberto Ghidini

ATM/ANS EXPERT (SNE) @EASA
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When it comes to airport investments, especially in complex or very complex operational environments, there is a very thin line between the investments made or to be made from the airport operator's point of view and those to be made by the air navigation service provider in support of the operations. This is to say that, particularly when it comes to new technology, it is essential to be fully aligned on common and shared objectives so as not to affect future performance.

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Debora Cazzani

Marketing & Export Manager @ MC-SOLUTIONS srl
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Common and shared values among the airport management and team is indeed crucial. But I believe that there is one common denominator that is a stronger determinant of capacity management: the smooth passage from air to ground. If we consider that each airport is similar but none is the same, we shall be able to guide by means of technology the best coordination possible. Each airport is a universe made by many different planets: air traffic, ground ops, terminal ops...but the efficiency of those singularly, will contribute to the equilibrium of the whole "airport universe" if they are in synergy! Higher Capacity will be the natural outcome.

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What is the optimal way to determine airport capacity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Demand analysis

2 Infrastructure assessment

3 Technology evaluation

4 Operations analysis

5 Environment assessment

6 Regulation review

7 Here’s what else to consider

Airport Management

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What is the optimal way to determine airport capacity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Demand analysis

2 Infrastructure assessment

3 Technology evaluation

4 Operations analysis

5 Environment assessment

6 Regulation review

7 Here’s what else to consider

Airport Management

Rate this article

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