Airport Apron Capacity Estimation – Model Enhancement

Abstract

This paper discusses analytical models for apron capacity estimation. Two existing analytical apron models are described and simple extension of the models is suggested. Instead of expressing apron capacity by one number, apron capacity envelope is proposed to illustrate capacity changes, or apron capability to accept different demand, in respect to mix of dominant users in demand. Similarly to runway capacity envelope that contains information on capacity for one runway system configuration and given fleet mix, for different arrival/departure shares, apron capacity envelope provides information on capacity for one apron configuration (in respect to stand size and policy of usage) and given fleet mix, for different shares of dominant users in demand. Depending on the policy of stand assignment users can be airlines/alliances and/or different combinations of origin/destination of flight and level of security required (e.g. Schengen/non-Schengen).