Modern Airports Research Articles

PROBLEMS OF DETERMINING THE NEED FOR SPARE PARTS AND MATERIALS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF AIRPORT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

The modern conditions of airport operation are considered from the point of view of reducing tariffs for services by reducing the costs of special equipment operation. The main attention is paid to the analysis of the influence of the costs of spare parts and materials used in its maintenance on the cost of special equipment use. The processes of special equipment utilization at the airport are considered as stochastic, and the logistics system at the airport is considered as a mass service system. It is taken into account that the stochasticity of the system is conditioned not only by the properties of the processes, but also by the randomness of the factors influencing them. In this regard, to manage the system under consideration, the list of factors that determine the intensity of resource consumption, as well as the regularities of their changes is analyzed. The main attention is paid to the necessity to find a compromise between uninterrupted supply, which requires an increase in the size of orders, and the reduction in the volume of stocks, which increases the cost of working capital of the aviation enterprise. The influence of climatic conditions of operation on the consumption of resources for the maintenance of special equipment at the airport is also analyzed. The analysis has shown that the determination of the need for resources for the maintenance of special equipment at airports is currently planned on the basis of the actual consumption for the previous year and it is not practically taken into account that the consumption varies seasonally. In this regard, it is noted that the relevance of research aimed at developing methods for planning the need of special transport services of modern airports in spare parts and consumables for maintenance, taking into account the variation in the intensity and operating conditions of special equipment. The analyzed approaches to the development of such methods show the need to consider the process of determining the need for spare parts and consumables for maintenance of special equipment as non-stationary, due to seasonal changes in the intensity and operating conditions. On this basis the basic principles of development of theoretical provisions and practical recommendations for determining the size of stocks of spare parts and consumables for maintenance of special equipment are proposed.

Turkiye as a regional hub

Purpose- This study examines Türkiye's strategic importance and potential to serve as a pivotal regional hub for businesses. The study also investigates the various fields of businesses for being a potential hub. A review of common concerns that needs further developments are analysed. Methodology- The study utilizes an analytical literature survey and investigates the various business fields for becoming a regional hub. Findings- Turkiye is the 7th largest economy by GDP in Europe by IMF among 22 countries for the year 2022. Turkiye is ranked as the 1st in ease of setting and welcoming categories at Expat Explorer Index, and 7th in the world in the year 2019. More, Turkish international airports serve for 342 direct flights for 128 countries with Turkish Airlines and proximity to these markets with a total GDP of 46 trillion USD within 4 hours flight. Conclusion- Turkiye's unique geographical position bridges Europe and Asia providing a natural gateway between the East and the West. Proximity to major markets enhances its appeal as a strategic center for trade and commerce. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, including transportation networks and logistics facilities, are positioning Türkiye as a key hub for the efficient movement of goods and services. Modern ports, airports, and road networks facilitate seamless connectivity within the region. Türkiye's growing economy attracts foreign investments, fostering the development of financial services and encouraging multinational companies to establish regional headquarters Keywords: Regional hub, Istanbul Finance Center, strategic location, logistics hub, service hub. JEL Codes: F10, F18, M20

Belt and Road Initiative in Developing Countries: Lessons from Five Selected Countries in Africa

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a household name for developing countries, especially in Africa. The BRI proposal by Chinese President Xi Jinping was positively received by many countries, including policymakers in China. In response, the Chinese Government committed to investing USD 1 trillion over ten years from 2013 to 2023. As a result, 152 countries signed a cooperation agreement with China to work under the BRI framework. The BRI has played a vital role in addressing the global infrastructures gap through the construction of modern highways, airports, high-speed railways, bridges, power generation (hydropower), and industrial parks. As a result, this has enhanced connectivity and economic growth between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Despite the BRI’s significant role in strengthening trade, infrastructure and investment links between China and other countries, there is limited literature on specific countries’ experience with the initiative. This study, therefore, will advance our understanding of the BRI, especially on the conceptualization of the term; comparative analysis of Africa–China relationships before and after the BRI; the benefits in relation to the “Five Connectivities” and the challenges the BRI is facing in Africa. The article is based on a literature review and case study as research methodologies mainly used the Policies, Projects, Initiatives, and Strategies (PPIS) as a data source. The study focuses on five African countries; Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, Djibouti, and Mozambique. These countries were selected purposefully for analysis because of their experience, long-term relationships with China, and strategic locations. The findings revealed that the BRI lacked a clear description and that it was difficult to distinguish between BRI projects and other regular economic or diplomatic relations. The study also identified four differences between Africa–China relationships before and after the BRI. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the BRI has positively contributed to all five connectivity pillars. However, the major challenges reported concerning the initiative from the various countries were: procurement corruption, low/lack of involvement of stakeholders, high compensation prices, labor violations, increasing debts, and environmental hazards. In conclusion, while the BRI has brought about significant infrastructure development and economic benefits, the project has also experienced some challenges. This study, therefore, contributes to the body of knowledge on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on African countries, specifically in Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti, Mozambique, and Egypt. The paper then provides conclusions and policy implications as well as future research opportunities in the current body of the literature.

Latest Technology in Modern Airport Design

The purpose of the article is to identify and systematise new technologies and innovations in planning and interior design of modern airports. The authors also aim to identify the features of their application and determining changes in the material filling of the airport space with technological means of design. The research methodology is based on the application of methods of generalisation and systematization of theoretical material on the use of innovative technologies in the interior of airports and analysis of advanced countries’ experience of. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the analysis and systematisation of the main new technologies for the formation of airport interior solutions according to functional zones. Conclusions.Airport terminals go through frequent transformations to accommodate technological advancements as well as changes in regulations. The ever-growing aviation industry requires airport terminals to be planned, designed, and constructed in a way that should allow flexible operating conditions. When creating a design or reorganisation of the terminal space, the main challenge is to create a safe and stress-free passenger experience. The main requirements and technologies are focused on avoiding queues and crowding, minimising the tactile interaction of passengers with staff and surfaces. One of the key trends used in modern airports is the introduction of contactless and biometric technologies, autonomous robots, and automated disinfection. Key words: interior design, airport, technologies, innovation, design solutions, space organization.

Optimal regulation design of airports: Investment incentives and impact of commercial services

Modern airports provide commercial services to passengers in addition to aeronautical services to airlines. We analyze the optimal regulation design of the airport when the airport also invests in the quality of its infrastructure. The optimal regulation can be implemented with a price-cap and a subsidy scheme targeted to the investment. We compare that optimal regulation with more constrained scenarios and discuss how commercial services change the need for regulation. We also investigate the consequences of the non-observability of the airport’s investment.

ПІДХОДИ ДО УПРАВЛІННЯ РОЗВИТКОМ ІНФРАСТРУКТУРИ АЕРОПОРТІВ

The article considers the possible ways of improving approaches to managing the development of airport infrastructure. The orientation of modern airports towards maximizing the benefits from their airport activities by realizing their market potential was identified. The dual nature of the airport business, which is aimed at obtaining a certain level of income, and also contributes to the achievement of a number of infrastructural tasks at the regional and state levels, has been determined. It is emphasized that the specifics of airport activity presuppose the availability of a limited volume of liquid assets that can be used to ensure obtaining credit resources of the required volume. It has been established that the ownership of rights to airport assets by different owners, the relationships between which are often quite complex and require a long time to make important management decisions, especially in the field of infrastructural development, complicates the development of airport activities. The need to increase state participation in the development of air transport by ensuring the provision of guarantees when concluding investment agreements of various levels by airports of regional and state importance is argued. The advantages of using a public-private partnership to achieve the single ultimate goal of the airport's activity, which consists of improving the quality of asset management and maximizing the level of realization of its market potential, are outlined. The main advantages of the concession agreement in the airport business, which allow to achieve the satisfaction of the interests of all interested stakeholders are considered. The necessity of concluding several independent concession agreements in view of the high degree of diversification of airport services is substantiated. The possible reasons for the unattractiveness of the airport infrastructure for investors have been established. It was recommended to consider the possibilities of making investments in the field of construction and operation of roads and railways in order to increase the investment attractiveness of airports. Keywords: airport, infrastructure, market potential, public-private partnership, investment, development, stakeholders, competitive advantages.

Evaluation of the Prospects for the Admission of Electric Multicopters to Operation at Airports, Subject to the Joint Use of Modern Methods of Ensuring Safety of the Movement

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a promising means of optimizing existing and developing new technological processes at modern airports. At present, in most countries of the world, airports are still closed to UAVs. To allow UAVs to operate at the airport, it is necessary to solve the problem of ensuring the safety of their movement. In this paper, we consider modern methods for ensuring the safety of the movement of electric multicopters (EMs), which are a type of UAV that, according to its technical characteristics, can be operated at the airport in various applications, including for transportation or monitoring on the territory of the airport. To allow EMs to work at the airport, this paper proposes the joint use of two methods of ensuring traffic safety developed in recent years. The results of the conducted expert evaluation show that such a solution can be considered as the key to the approval of EMs for operation at airports.

An Evolutionary Algorithm in Static Airport Gate Assignment Problem

Background and Objectives: Gate Assignment Problem is an existing issue at modern airports. Gate assignment is a complex issue in which different airports have their own demographic and geographic features although the gate and flight pattern are identical, and flights may not be assigned precisely to the gates. Methods: The gate assignment model would be a suitable and an appropriate tool for airport authorities to assign aircraft to gates in an effective and efficient way. The aim of the model is to assign each aircraft to an available gate to maximise both efficient operations for airports and airlines, and convenience for passengers. The model would benefit airports by improving efficiency of operations and convenience for travellers. The model illustrates how the resources are fully utilised, achieving an optimal result. This model applies the evolutionary approach to handle the gate assignment problem. The smart and generative algorithm speeds up the solving process for providing the solution within a reasonable time. Results: This model can reduce the business class travellers’ total walking distance by optimising the utilisation of gate resources. This has been was applied at the Taiwan Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and the results have shown an improvement in minimising the total walking distances, and the results for business class travellers are promising. Conclusion: A metropolitan airport usually handles more than thirty boarding gates and hundreds of flights every day. Gate assignment can help an airport to assign the gates to the flights more effectively, with the advancement of genetic algorithms. The gate assignment problem model performed a successful assignment solution within an acceptable timeframe. The proposed evolutionary algorithm gate assignment model could reduce the business class passengers’ total walking distances.

Building smart airports: Technology solutions to improve health, enhance experience and increase revenue

Modern airports are seeking new ways to differentiate and enhance the travel experience. They have hybridised to become both transportation hubs and shopping centres. Airports now view passengers as their primary customers and are becoming more aware of passenger needs throughout the travel experience. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airport health and safety is the travelling public’s highest priority. Airports need to invest in technology that addresses health and safety concerns elevates the passenger experience, and provides a substantial return on investment in the long run. Recent surveys show that the most effective technologies are not always the ones airports are employing: environmental sensing, innovative display technology and smart glass that increases access to daylight and views of the outdoors are three such solutions. As these types of solutions become more prevalent, passengers will come to expect an increased level of comfort and convenience out of their travel experience. This paper will focus on two key technologies — smart glass and environmental sensing — that can provide a solution.

A computer vision framework using Convolutional Neural Networks for airport-airside surveillance

Modern airports often have large and complex airside environments featuring multiple runways, with changing configurations, numerous taxiways for effective circulation of flights and tens, if not hundreds, of gates. With inherent uncertainties in gate push-back and taxiway routing, efficient surveillance and management of airport-airside operations is a highly challenging task for air traffic controllers. An increase in air traffic may lead to gate delays, taxiway congestion, taxiway incursions as well as significant increase in the workload of air traffic controllers. With the advent of Digital Towers, airports are increasingly being equipped with surveillance camera systems. This paper proposes a novel computer vision framework for airport-airside surveillance, using cameras to monitor ground movement objects for safety enhancement and operational efficiency improvement. The framework adopts Convolutional Neural Networks and camera calibration techniques for aircraft detection and tracking, push-back prediction, and maneuvering monitoring. The proposed framework is applied on video camera feeds from Houston Airport, USA (for maneuvering monitoring) and Obihiro Airport, Japan (for push-back prediction). The object detection models of the proposed framework achieve up to 73.36% average precision on Houston airport and 87.3% on Obihiro airport. The framework estimates aircraft speed and distance with low error (up to 6 meters), and aircraft push-back is predicted with an average error of 3 min from the time an aircraft arrives with the error-rate reducing until the aircraft’s actual push-back event.

The impact of customised mobile marketing on passenger shopping behaviour in the airport terminal

With growing popularity of mobile devices, digital marketing strategies are increasingly important for modern airports. This paper studied context-aware mobile marketing strategies in the airport retail environment. An on-site mobile marketing experiment was conducted at a partner airport to explore how preference and/or location-based mobile coupons could affect passengers’ retail behaviour. Results show that retail shopping became more efficient (less browsing time) with mobile marketing influence, but not necessarily more effective (not higher spending amount). Randomly pushed mobile marketing information is effective in keeping passengers in shops for longer but context-aware mobile marketing is more effective in increasing spending amount.

LTE/GNSS IOT TECHNOLOGY AS A BACKBONE FOR AIRPORT GROUND HANDLING OPERATIONS

The necessity of a positioning service for various ground handling assets is key to improving airport performance. Reported in this article is a system named “Ground Eye”, designed to be a test of a possible implementation of the independent LTE-based communication system and GNSS-based location services. The test campaign used a total of nine prototype devices for a period of one month at Gdańsk airport (Poland). The main goal of this demonstration was to verify the possibility of using the GNSS/LTE system as a fast-deployment option in the airport environment, as well as to evaluate its positioning and communication capabilities in conjunction with React.JS/Deck.GL/Node.JS dedicated application. The test campaign verified that even with simple processing and relatively simple single-frequency measurements, multi-constellation GNSS receivers, it is possible to obtain location with precision reaching better than 2.5 metres. This precision should be good enough for all ground handling operations at modern airports, without the need for additional fixed infrastructure.

Method of Increasing the Readiness of Airport Ground Vehicle Operators to Work in Extreme Weather Conditions

Modern airports are complex technological systems, on the territory of which several types of transport operate simultaneously, including airport ground vehicles, such as buses for transporting passengers, tractors, catering service vehicles, etc. There are known incidents of collisions between ground vehicles and aircrafts at airports. Typically, these accidents occur under extreme weather conditions, such as snowfall, heavy rain or fog. This study has developed a method to improve the preparedness of airport ground vehicle operators to work in extreme weather conditions, including snow, heavy rain or fog. In extreme weather conditions, the movement of ground vehicles on the airport territory occurs without direct visual contact between operators of ground vehicles and pilots of airliners, while their interaction takes place under the remote control of a dispatcher, which significantly complicates the working conditions of operators and increases the risk of accidents. Working in such an environment requires special training for airport ground vehicle operators. It is for this purpose that a method for improving the preparedness of airport ground vehicle operators to work in extreme weather conditions has been developed. The method involves solving a number of pre-prepared scenarios, which makes it possible to increase the readiness of airport personnel to act in extreme weather conditions. As a result, increased personnel readiness will reduce the risk of accidents in such a complex technical system as an airport.

MODERN TRENDS OF FORMATION OF ARCHITECTURE OF INTERIORS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AIR STATIONS

The ecological tendencies of forming of architecture of interiors of modern eco-air terminals for determination of leading principles of design and methods of forming of eco-interiors of this type of structures are elucidated. It is determined that ecological construction, eco-modernization and eco-reconstruction are important components of the success of modern airports. The modern eco-terminal is transformed into a sophisticated architectural object that reduces the environmental footprint. It is determined that the modern ecological environment of airport interiors is created with the help of non-standard planning solutions, organic bionic forms and eco materials. This environment is developed taking into account innovative technologies based on the synthesis of elements that determine its character: the basic design (its environmental characteristics), the symbolism of the form, the quality of natural light, the harmonious use of color and decoration, as well as natural materials, objects of phyto- and aqua-design, as living material that benefits the health of passengers, creating a comfortable microclimate and a good combination with nature.

Cross-polar transit potential of Russia: what prevents its implementation?

Attention is drawn to the cross-polar transit potential of Russia in connection with the expansion of integration ties between the US and Canada, on the one hand, and the countries of East, South-East and South Asia, on the other. It is emphasized that the maintenance of cross-polar routes is considered a product of “high redistribution” and requires significant capital investments. In the Russian literature, the problem of economic efficiency of the organization of transcommunication messages has become the object of research relatively recently. It was the subject of fundamental disagreements among the authors, as some of them are of the opinion that for Russia the operation of Polar routes brings little commercial benefit and poorly takes into account the geopolitical interests of the country. One of the main reasons for this was the transition of the world’s airlines to the use of new aircraft models, and, accordingly, non-stop cross-polar flights. At the same time, the hopes of the authorities of certain Siberian regions to “get rich” at the receptions of thousands of flights a month were “put a cross”. The hypothetical possibility of Russia closing cross-polar air routes in response to the policy of economic sanctions of Western countries is discussed. It is concluded that such a step is unacceptable due to the hypothetical closure of the sky by EU countries for Russian carriers. The authors are convinced that in any case, the Russian Federation needs to take radical measures to develop its own polar aviation, build new modern airports in Siberia, as well as to improve air navigation services for flights in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

MAIN TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN AIRPORTS

The article highlights the experience of design and construction with the expansion of existing airports, considers the factors that shape the development trends of modern international airports. Some general principles and methods of expansion of international airports are revealed. The formation of modern airports is influenced by many factors, primarily socio-economic and trends in air transport. In the last 20, 30 years, the largest percentage of the world's reconstruction is with the mandatory expansion of airports. Thus, the main issues of development of modern airports are the principles and methods of their expansion. Additional factors influencing the reconstruction of modern airports are issues of terrorist and virological security. If the issue of terrorist threats has influenced functional decisions for several decades, the virological threat is quite new and requires a comprehensive study and implementation of new measures of various kinds. Also, the purpose of the reconstruction of modern airports is to improve the level of comfort and safety, which are the main factors in the marketing struggle for air passengers and air cargo. The publication considers several typical modern examples of airport reconstruction, both in Europe and in the post-Soviet space - Kutaisi (Georgia), Marseille (France), Oslo (Norway), Amsterdam (Netherlands). The publication highlights that the expansion of the airport requires some mandatory stages. Namely, determining the appropriateness of the expansion and the main functional tasks for which this expansion should take place, determining the principles and techniques by which the expansion of the terminal will be most rational, determine whether the increase in passenger traffic requires runway expansion, determine how the increase in passenger traffic additional functions (parking, trade and food services, etc.).
 Of the above examples of expansion of modern airports, the most accurate is the method of expansion, which is a kind of symbiosis of building a new terminal with redistribution of functions between the new and old terminal, and with the simultaneous addition of necessary planning transitions and galleries.

Analysis to energy consumption characteristics and influencing factors of terminal building based on airport operating data

Airport terminals have much higher average energy consumptions than normal public buildings. This is caused by their complicated space features and operation characteristics. In China, large modern airports were built from around 2004, which means our understanding to the real energy performance of these buildings lag behind the design practice and with feedback from operation experience, both design or operation of modern airports shall be improved in terms of energy efficiency. Nanning Airport provided an excellent example for that purpose, with comprehensive operation data collected during 2016–2019. The data were firstly presented in this paper, followed by clustering and correlation analysis to establish the correlation among potential factors. From the analysis, the major factors influencing energy consumption were identified as passenger flow, meteorological parameters and supply fan frequency. Regression analysis was performed based on monthly data and equations were provided for the calculation of the terminal total energy consumption and its three sub components according to the input parameters of passenger flow data and meteorological data. These equations provide guidance on energy supply for the operation of this airport and more importantly can be used as valuable reference when designing airports in similar conditions.

ANALYSIS OF THE AIRPORT NOISE IMPACT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

The high noise level in modern airports is one of the causes that affect the occurrence of accidents involving airliners and ground vehicles operating at the airport. In this study, an emergency prevention algorithm has been developed aiming at reducing the probability of an emergency collision of an airliner and a land vehicle by separating the noise generated during the airport operation into the noise that warns the pilot (operator) about the threat of an emergency collision and the noise that contributes to the accident initiation. The results of the study can be used in the development of new methods and technical means aimed at preventing accidents at airports.

The Technological Properties of Polymer Composites Containing Waste Sheep Wool Filler

New technologies are using natural fibres in composites materials in the industry. It is still often natural fibres in modern buildings, chemists, airports, sport and automotive. Using for construction pieces and their better properties than steel or traditional materials. New forward science and technic are recycled or decrease waste. The problem for central Europe is a waste of agricultural, invention relates to an epoxy resin filled with an organo-inorganic filler of natural origin, production especially plants and sheep wool as well as other usable wastes such as old textiles. New applications are in new construction types and industries finding cheaper materials. There is available modern technology for injection moulding granulate polypropylene with filler from sheep wool and plant fibres. For example, to make furniture or building cladding. This could reduce waste production, pollution of nature and emissions in the production of these products from new raw materials. The work presents the possibilities of using new polymer-based materials contain sheep wool as filler. The paper deals with the evaluation of the mechanical properties of the effect of the addition of sheep wool in a concentration of 3% to selected types of thermosetting matrices. In the experiments, the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, ductility and deformation work were built on the sample set. The results are statistically processed and document the possibilities of adjusting the mechanical properties of composites with sheep wool.

Developing a Comprehensive Digital Library Using Airport Geographic Information Systems (AGIS)

GIS can provide airport management staff with visual pavement information and powerful analysis tools. The spatial information managed by GIS can ensure the accumulation of valid data concerning the attributes of airport pavement. Based on the principles and general implementation process of GIS, and the characteristics of airport pavement management, this paper describes the implementation process of GIS for planning and design of Erbil airport.To organize the spatial entities effectively, several layers were set according to the characteristics of spatial entities. The spatial database was established, and then the function design of GIS software is presented including map exploration, map location, spatial query, rendering style and output of map.Airports are finding that integrated geographic information systems (AGIS) can help them to better manage both air-and ground-side operations. In this paper we present a representative case study of the AGIS for Erbil International Airport buildings and pavements. The study generated results in the form of a multi-layer map, whereby each layer has information that contains a comprehensive database.There are two primary types of pavement utilized in the construction of runways, taxiways and aprons for modern airports. These are classified generally as rigid pavement and flexible pavement, each involving a different approach of analysis, design and construction. The choice of which to use depends upon local conditions, construction difficulties and economics. Consequently, a comparative study of each type of pavement was made to find the most suitable pavement structure for Erbil International Airport (AIAP). The digital library for Erbil International Airport includes general information about aircraft noise pollution and its effect on the surrounding area of the flight track, generating a noise pollution map.