Airport Operations Research Articles

Analyzing Passenger Flows in an Airport Terminal: A Discrete Simulation Model

This paper introduces a simulation model designed as a decision-making tool to assess and analyze various crowd management strategies with a focus on enhancing sustainability in airport operations. This model specifically addresses the challenges and risks associated with managing passenger flows within airport terminals. By simulating different scenarios, the model aims to provide valuable insights into how to effectively handle crowd dynamics and enhance overall terminal efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This case study was conducted at Henri Coanda International Airport, ARENA 12 simulation software being used in order to model the passenger flows within the airport terminal. Two scenarios were considered: The first one involves maintaining a fixed number of security and check-in desks for the two airline groups. In contrast, the second scenario allows for a variable number of security and check-in desks for the same airline groups. By optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waiting time, this model contributes to more sustainable airport management operations. Three measures of performance (MOPs) were selected to assess the system activity: the average passenger waiting time, the average passenger number queue length, and the average utilization rate. Comparing the results, we concluded that the second scenario shows a relative improvement in almost all performance measures when compared to the first scenario.

Advanced semantic segmentation of aircraft main components based on transfer learning and data-driven approach

Abstract The implementation of Smart Airport and Airport 4.0 visions relies on the integration of automation, artificial intelligence, data science, and aviation technology to enhance passenger experiences and operational efficiency. One essential factor in the integration is the semantic segmentation of the aircraft main components (AMC) perception, which is essential to maintenance, repair, and operations in aircraft and airport operations. However, AMC segmentation has challenges from low data availability, high-quality annotation scarcity, and categorical imbalance, which are common in practical applications, including aviation. This study proposes a novel AMC segmentation solution, employing a transfer learning framework based on a sophisticated DeepLabV3 architecture optimized with a custom-designed Focal Dice Loss function. The proposed solution remarkably suppresses the categorical imbalance challenge and increases the dataset variability with manually annotated images and dynamic augmentation strategies to train a robust AMC segmentation model. The model achieved a notable intersection over union of 84.002% and an accuracy of 91.466%, significantly advancing the AMC segmentation performance. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed AMC segmentation solution in aircraft and airport operation scenarios. This study provides a pioneering solution to the AMC semantic perception problem and contributes a valuable dataset to the community, which is fundamental to future research on aircraft and airport semantic perception. Graphical abstract

Life Cycle Prediction of Airport Operation Based on System Dynamics

Traditional airport development planning often overlooks an in-depth consideration of the airport operation life cycle, which frequently causes deviations from planned objectives during operation. This paper presents a framework for predicting and segmenting the airport operation life cycle by integrating the dynamic characteristics of the System Dynamics (SD) model with the static properties of Logistic modeling to examine the development trajectory of airport operations. The influencing factors in this model are selected across three levels: airport, city, and macro-environment. A system dynamics model of airport operation is constructed using causal loop diagrams and system flow diagrams. Using Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) as a case study, the airport’s operational capacity from 2005 to 2035 is predicted through SD simulation. Subsequently, the airport operation life cycle from 2005 to 2050 is forecasted and segmented using Logistic modeling. The results indicate that, under the standard scenario, CAN’s operational capacity experiences two declines in 2016 and 2020, attributed to airport construction and emergencies. Logistic modeling identifies three distinct life cycle phases in the airport’s operation. Furthermore, by comparing various airport operation scenarios, the analysis reveals that fluctuations in the city economy significantly impact the airport’s operational system without altering its overall development trajectory. In contrast, the occurrence of emergencies can substantially modify the airport operation life cycle.

Analysis of Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) Unit Services at Adi Soemarmo Boyolali International Airport

Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) is the front line in supervising and controlling all problems and is the control center of Adi Soemarmo Solo International Airport operations in serving Airport Service Users. AOCC involves all stakeholders at the Airport by integrating the systems owned by each stakeholder so that they can operate effectively and efficiently. This study aims to determine how the AOCC unit service system is at Adi Soemarmo Boyolali International Airport and what factors can cause problems and solutions to AOCC unit service problems. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The data used are primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained from observation and interviews, while secondary data comes from literature studies and photographs related to the problems studied. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. To test the validity of the data, triangulation techniques are used. The research time is in August - September 2023. The results of this study indicate that a good service system was found by the Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) Unit to service users starting from coordination with all parties, namely Airlines and Ground Handling, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Apron Movement Control (AMC), Information Unit, Aviation Security, Airport Operation Landside And Terminal (AOLT), Traffic Administration Office and Central Flight Schedule Office (CFSO) and the Airport Mechanical Unit. The service system uses the ACDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) system, namely with collaboration between stakeholders to share information between related parties in real time and make joint decisions in a win-solution manner. Factors that can cause problems are related to coordination between one and another so that it can harm several parties. The solution to various problems is to implement ACDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making), where related units in airport operations synergize with each other, receive and share information from each unit, make proactive and appropriate joint decisions, anticipate unexpected events and provide the best quality of service, cohesiveness and unity of vision and mission.

The Supervising Role of the Apron Movement Control (AMC) Unit on Aviation Security and Safety at Pattimura Ambon International Airport

Security and safety are crucial factors in aviation activities, considering the sensitivity of air transportation that requires assurance of safety at all times. The success of the AMC unit's tasks and responsibilities is measured by their ability to optimize supervision, thus creating safe and secure conditions, in accordance with applicable regulations. This study aims to evaluate the role of the AMC unit in ensuring security and safety in the airside area of Pattimura Ambon International Airport and to identify obstacles in supervision in the area. The approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative. The data collected consists of primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained through observation and interviews, while secondary data comes from literature studies and photographs related to the problem being studied. Data analysis techniques involve data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. To ensure the validity of the data, triangulation techniques are used. The research was conducted in March 2024. The results of the study indicate that the AMC unit at Pattimura Ambon International Airport has carried out supervision well in accordance with the standard operating procedures PM-IK (Quality Procedures and Work Instructions). Supervision covers four components of the work area: Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC), Data Entry, Field Inspection, and Aviobridge Operations. Supervision is carried out through inspections every two hours for FOD and fuel spills, supervision of aircraft movements and engine running up/idle, GSE vehicle speed, and worker compliance with the use of Personal Protective Equipment. The AMC unit strives to implement the 3S+1C principle (Safety, Security, Service, and Compliance). The obstacles faced include a shortage of personnel, which causes an increase in workload and less than optimal supervision, as well as violations by service users or workers in the airside area, which have the potential to cause accidents.

Exploring the Impact of Airport Services on Passenger Satisfaction in Tanzania: A Case Study of Julius Nyerere International Airport

Satisfying passengers at the airport has been the cornerstone for airlines and airports in air transport service. This study aimed to understand the effects of airline-related quality service dimensions on overall passenger satisfaction at airports. The study intended to analyse the effect of pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight services on passenger satisfaction at the airport. Passengers begin to interact with air transport services when booking a ticket, and airline-related service dimensions are considered part of the broader concept of airport services, which should be integrated as they overlap in satisfying passengers at the airport. Previous research focused extensively on airport-related factors but overlooked the specific impacts of airline services on overall passenger satisfaction. The study was guided by Total airport experience framework considering holistic view of passenger satisfaction. The study used a descriptive research design which targeted all international passengers travelled through Julius Nyerere International Airport at the time of conducting this study. In this regard, the study included departing and arriving passengers from Terminal III at the final lounge and baggage claim area. The Webb et al (1996) guidelines were used to determine the sample size which suggests that for population above 2,000, a sample of 1% is appropriate; The population consisted of 18,000 passengers arriving and departing at Julius Nyerere international Airport during the time of conducting survey; thus 180 passenger were selected randomly ensuring that every passenger had an equal chance of being selected. Collection of data invloved questionnaires with close-ended and open-ended questions. Descriptive analysis of collected data was conducted to summarize the main variables through utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for data analysis to obtain percentages and frequencies. The findings indicated that several dimensions of airline-related service influence passenger satisfaction: pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight dimensions. The findings revealed that these three dimensions positively affect passenger satisfaction. For instance, in pre-flight services, respondents reported satisfaction, highlighting the crucial role of effective management of pre-flight services in determining positive initial travel experiences. High satisfaction rates were also observed for in-flight services, emphasizing the importance of onboard amenities and crew responsiveness. However, post-flight services showed areas for improvement to enhance the overall passenger experience. Additionally, the results highlighted the strategic necessity for airlines and airports to prioritize service excellence across all touchpoints of the passenger journey. Enhancing service quality and responsiveness, particularly in mishap resolution and service delivery which are crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage and fostering customer loyalty. The study concluded that passenger satisfaction is highly influenced by three primary dimensions of airline related service: pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight dimensions. The study recommends the Airline and airport operators to focus on improving service quality delivery across all touch points of passengers journey by implementing an integrated approach such as coordinated decision making.

Analisis Fungsi Inspeksi Unit Apron Movement Control (AMC) dalam Menunjang Kedisiplinan Petugas Apron di Bandar Udara Supadio Pontianak

Apron Movement Control (AMC) Unit is a vital component in airport operations, playing an important role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight services. This study aims to determine what obstacles are encountered during inspection activities and how does the Apron Movement Control (AMC) unit overcome these obstacles. This study uses a qualitative approach with field observations and then conducting analysis. The subjects of this study were Apron Movement Control (AMC) Unit officers at Supadio Airport, Pontianak. The research period was 1 month. The results of the study can be concluded that the main obstacles of the AMC unit at Supadio Airport, Pontianak include communication difficulties due to noise, limited visual supervision, and coordination between units. The proposed solutions include improving communication systems, expanding surveillance camera coverage, optimizing personnel, regular training, using new technologies such as drones, and evaluating and improving operational procedures. The implementation of these solutions is expected to improve the effectiveness of the AMC inspection function, support the discipline of apron officers, and improve the safety and smoothness of airport operations..

Self-service check-in kiosks in airport terminal planning: Static analysis on the airport check-in space

Self-service check-in kiosks are increasingly recognized as a cost-effective solution for expanding check-in capacity without the need for terminal building expansion. These kiosks serve as essential airport infrastructure, providing time savings for passengers, cost reductions for airlines, and optimized space utilization for airports. This study aims to investigate whether the claimed 49 percent reduction in required check-in space with the adoption of self-service check-in kiosks is valid and examines how various factors influence this space saving. A small sized airport with an average annual traffic of 1 million passengers and 500 Typical Peak Hour Passenger (TPHP) serves as the case study. Through static analysis, the study assesses the impact of failure rates associated with self-service check-in kiosks on overall space savings. The findings indicate that failure rates significantly diminish space savings, underscoring the importance of technology reliability in maximizing efficiency. Additionally, space savings are influenced by passenger demand, passenger profiles, processing times, queuing/waiting times and space per passenger. These results suggest that while self-service check-in kiosks can enhance operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction, their effectiveness is contingent upon managing technology reliability and understanding diverse passenger needs. Overall, this study highlights the potential of self-service check-in kiosk in improving airport operations while providing valuable insights for future implementations.

An Experimental Validation-Based Study of Airport Pavement Icing Mechanisms in Saline Environments and the Development of a Simplified Prediction Model

Runway icing presents a significant challenge to aviation safety, especially in saline environments, where comprehending the icing mechanisms and predicting the icing onset are crucial for efficient airport operations. This study developed a specialized experimental apparatus to examine the mechanisms of airport pavement icing under controlled conditions. The apparatus, comprising an environmental chamber, a data acquisition system, and a scaled pavement structure, allowed for detailed simulations of various environmental factors. The experiments specifically examined the effects of the air temperature (−3 °C to −20 °C), wind speed (2 m/s to 6 m/s), and deicing salt concentration (0% to 80%) on the icing process. The results demonstrated that higher wind speeds and lower temperatures significantly accelerated the pavement surface cooling, leading to earlier icing onset. Under the most extreme conditions, the pavement reached critical icing temperatures within 15 min. In contrast, higher deicing salt concentrations delayed the icing onset by up to 67 min and 33 s at an 80% concentration, effectively lowering the pavement surface temperature. A comparison of the experimental data with the theoretical predictions showed initial consistency, although the discrepancies increased over time. This study culminated in the development of a simplified prediction model, which was validated against the experimental results, offering a practical tool for airport operators to manage runway safety during winter conditions.

An analysis of trust governance mechanism in airline-airport relationship with resource dependence theory and transaction cost theory perspectives

Developments have transformed airport operations into more commercially focused centers in the airport sector. This situation has raised the question of how to execute interdependent airport-airline relationships. In interdependent relationships, trust-based governance is the least costly governance structure and is crucial for fostering cooperation in long-term relationships. Trust-based governance is a management approach where relationships and decisions are guided by mutual trust, transparency, and collaboration between parties. When considering the nature of the relationship, it is observed that environmental uncertainty and asset specificity are high. Transaction cost theory suggests that trust governance mechanisms can be the least costly governance structure under high uncertainty and asset specificity. Similarly, resource dependency theory indicates that in situations with high environmental uncertainty, dependencies can be managed through trust governance mechanisms. Therefore, this study analyzes the trust governance mechanism in airport-airline relationships. Drawing from the perspectives of resource dependency theory and transaction cost theory, this research analyzes the trust governance mechanism in airport-airline relationships using case studies of Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Airport relationship is governed by contract-based trust, while the Pegasus Airlines and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport relationship is based on goodwill-based trust. It can be argued that the history of the airport-airline relationship and the belief in the continuity of the relationship have a positive impact on trust.

Risk Management Analysis Based on ISO 31000:2018 at Andi Djemma Masamba Airport, Luwu Regency

The density of activities that take place around the operating facilities at Andi Djemma Masamba Airport so that the Management of the Andi Jemma Airport Operator Unit (UPBU) Office has launched the development of Andi Djemma Masamba Airport as an aviation company so that it continues to carry out various facility improvements, especially in risk prevention with potential activities with high losses, therefore it is necessary to conduct research to find out how to map, risk assessment and design a risk control and mitigation system at the Operations facility at Andi Djemma Masamba Airport caused by activities that have the potential to cause risk. The stages of the risk management process refer to ISO 31000: 2018 including risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation. Expected impact and likelihood of occurrence are mapped through the risk matrix from the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA). The results showed that at the andi djemma masamba airport there were 6 events that fell into the red category, namely Aircraft accidents during take off/landing, Aircraft accidents in the apron area, Escape of dangerous goods into the aircraft, Fuel Spills on the Apron/Taxiway, Lack of building maintenance, The security inspection process is less than optimal.

Airport Runoff Water: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

The increase in the quantity and variety of contaminants generated during routine airport infrastructure maintenance operations leads to a wider range of pollutants entering soil and surface waters through runoff, causing soil erosion and groundwater pollution. A significant developmental challenge is ensuring that airport infrastructure meets high-quality environmental management standards. It is crucial to have effective tools for monitoring and managing the volume and quality of stormwater produced within airports and nearby coastal areas. It is necessary to develop methodologies for determining a wide range of contaminants in airport stormwater samples and assessing their toxicity to improve the accuracy of environmental status assessments. This manuscript aims to showcase the latest advancements (2010–2024 update) in developing methodologies, including green analytical techniques, for detecting a wide range of pollutants in airport runoff waters and directly assessing the toxicity levels of airport stormwater effluent. An integrated chemical and ecotoxicological approach to assessing environmental pollution in airport areas can lead to precise environmental risk assessments and well-informed management decisions for sustainable airport operations. Furthermore, this critical review highlights the latest innovations in remediation techniques and various strategies to minimize airport waste. It shifts the paradigm of soil and water pollution management towards nature-based solutions, aligning with the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Technology Readiness and Users Satisfaction towards Self-Service Technology at Malaysian Airport

This study examines the relationship between four dimensions of Technology Readiness Index (TR) namely optimism, innovativeness, insecurity, discomfort, and the level of customer’s satisfaction towards the use of self-service technology (SSTs) at the airport. SSTs used by the airport operators or airlines at the terminal for check-in or when performing other transactions includes booking airline ticket online, kiosk check-in and mobile check-in. At the same time, this study also tries to look at whether there is any difference in technology readiness between different demographic groups of Malaysians. Survey questionnaires were distributed to passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. The result of the analysis shows that innovativeness and optimism have a positive relationship with customer satisfaction. There are also differences in technology readiness among different gender for innovativeness and insecurity index. The implication of the study suggests that Malaysia’s airport or airline providers should increase customer satisfaction especially by introducing new innovative technology at their premises. The findings may also help firms develop their strategy to further increase the customer’s satisfaction when using the self- service technology (SST) at airports in Malaysia.

Identifying and classifying cyberattacks on airports

This paper describes research to identify and classify cyberattacks in the aviation industry in order to present the true reality of airports as a critical infrastructure and the threats that airport operators face. We conducted a critical review related to types of cyberattacks and supported by updated studies to analyse cyberattacks in the aviation industry from 2000 to 2023 due to the increase of attacks occurring in this period. Data was collected from verifiable sources such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Federal Aviation Administration, EUROCONTROL, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and KonBriefing. The findings of this study revealed that recent years have seen an increase in the number of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) and ransomware cyberattacks at airports by foreign countries motivated by political and economic reasons, diplomatic espionage or even as part of a cyber war. This is particularly worrying, because the most influential international organisations and countries are recognising the existence of a cyber war in political, espionage, terrorism, safety, financial and commercial terms. The new contribution of this research lies in the fact that many uncertainties surround the cyberattacks that airport operators and commercial airlines face on a daily basis. Cyberattacks in the aviation industry are more common than most people realise, and the issue is that sometimes this information is silenced by governments, airport and airline operators to avoid unnecessary social alarm.

How can open data help airports to improve customer satisfaction?

In the evolving landscape of airport management, leveraging public data emerges as a transformative strategy to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This paper explores the integration of data analytics in airport operations, illustrating through case studies how airports can utilise open data to optimise performance, improve passenger experience and streamline security processes. We highlight the significant benefits of adopting data-driven approaches, including increased operational transparency, improved decision making and enhanced service quality. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of public data in driving innovation and sustainability in airport management, offering actionable insights for airport authorities and stakeholders. This paper serves as a stimulus on how to benefit from the use of open data.

Public-public partnerships : A twist on the traditional publicprivate partnership that works for your airport

As airport operators, the provision of chilled water and back-up power generation is a necessary element of our utility infrastructure. This paper outlines the benefits and pitfalls related to outsourcing this increasingly critical infrastructure to the local power company and describes the case of Orlando International Airport (MCO), which formed a public-public partnership with Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC). Over the course of a multiyear negotiation, we engaged OUC to take on operating the chilled water plant and the back-up generation facility for the airport’s new Terminal C. Throughout the negotiation, we addressed many challenges. The aim of this paper is to familiarise the airport operator with the transaction and some of the key issues we faced and resolved at MCO.

Evolutionary game of multimodal transport organization considering the new airport operation: Taking Beijing Daxing International Airport for an example

Evolutionary game of multimodal transport organization considering the new airport operation: Taking Beijing Daxing International Airport for an example

Representation of Blowing Snow and Associated Visibility Reduction in an Operational High-Resolution Weather Model

Abstract Blowing snow is a hazard for motorists because it may rapidly reduce visibility. Numerical weather prediction models in the United States do not capture the movement of snow once it reaches the ground, but visibility reductions due to blowing snow can be diagnosed based on model-predicted land surface and environmental conditions that correlate with blowing snow occurrence. A recently developed diagnostic framework for forecasting blowing snow concentration and the associated visibility reduction is applied to High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) and Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS) model output including surface snow conditions to predict surface visibility reduction due to blowing snow. Twelve blowing snow events around Wyoming from 2018 to 2023 are examined. The analysis shows that visibility reductions due to blowing snow tend to be overpredicted, caused by the initial assumption of full driftability of the snowpack. This study refines the aging of the blowing snow reservoir with two methods. The first method estimates driftability based on time-varying snow density from the Rapid Update Cycle land surface model (RUC LSM) used in the HRRR and experimental RRFS models and is evaluated in a real-time context with the RRFS model. The second, complementary method diagnoses snowpack driftability using a process-based approach that requires data for recent snowfall, wind speed, and skin temperature. Compared to the full driftability assumption, this method shows limited improvements in forecasting skill. To improve model-based diagnosis of visibility reduction due to blowing snow, empirical work is needed to determine the relation between snowpack driftability and the recent history of snowfall and other weather conditions. Significance Statement Blowing snow presents a significant hazard to motorists and airport operations through sometimes very rapid and intense reductions in visibility, yet little predictive guidance exists for blowing snow. This study aims to improve the prediction of blowing snow occurrence and associated surface visibility reduction using diagnostics from an operational high-resolution weather model. One key challenge regards the question of driftability of the snowpack. This study evaluates two approaches to quantify driftability in terms of visibility reduction due to blowing snow and acknowledges that more measurements are needed to improve the representation of blowing snow physics in NWP models.

The Effect of Transformational Leadership, Work Environment, Internal Communication, and Organisational Commitment on Internal Service Quality at the Office of the Class III Airport Operator Unit of South Papua Province

This research aims to analyze the influence of transformational leadership, work environment, internal communication, and organizational commitment on the quality of internal services at the Class III Airport Operating Unit of South Papua Province. The research method used is quantitative with a survey approach, where data is collected through questionnaires from airport employees which are then analyzed using regression analysis. The research results show that these four variables have a positive and significant influence on internal service quality. Effective transformational leadership, a conducive work environment, good internal communication and strong organizational commitment contribute significantly to improving the quality of internal services at the airport. These findings provide practical implications for airport management to focus on improving these factors to improve the quality of services provided.

Analysis and Design of an Airborne-Dangled Monopole-Antenna Symmetric Remote-Sensing Radiation Source for Airport Runway Monitoring

Traditional methods for monitoring the foundation settlement of airport runways predominantly employ equipment such as leveling instruments, total stations, layered settlement instruments, magnetic ring settlement instruments, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and synthetic aperture radar. These methods suffer from low automation levels, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and can significantly disrupt airport operations. An alternative electromagnetic detection technique, Controlled Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT), offers deep-depth detection capabilities. However, CSAMT faces significant challenges, particularly in generating high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) signals in the far-field region (FfR). Traditional CSAMT utilizes grounded horizontal dipoles (GHDs), which radiate symmetric beams. Due to the low directivity of GHDs, only a small fraction of the radiated energy is effectively utilized in FfR observations. Enhancing the SNR in FfR typically requires either reducing the transceiving distance or increasing the transmitting power, both of which introduce substantial complications. This paper proposes an airborne-dangled monopole-antenna symmetric remote-sensing radiation source for airport runway monitoring, which replaces the conventional GHD. The analytical, simulation, and experimental verification results indicate that the energy required by the airborne-dangled symmetric source to generate the same electric field amplitude in the FfR is only one-third of that needed by traditional CSAMT. This results in significant energy savings and reduced emissions, underscoring the advantages of the airborne-dangled monopole-antenna symmetric source in enhancing energy efficiency for CSAMT. The theoretical analysis, simulations, and experimental results consistently verify the validity and efficacy of the proposed airborne-dangled monopole-antenna symmetric remote-sensing radiation source in CSAMT. This innovative approach holds substantial promise for airport runway monitoring, offering a more efficient and less intrusive solution compared to traditional methods.