Iata Airport Operations

Full text

(1)35937 airport operations dist learn manual 1ed 2005.qxd. 5/12/2005. 5:43 PM. Page 1. Airport Operations Distance Learning Manual. 1st Edition.

(2) Airport Operations Distance Learning Manual. International Air Transport Association Montreal — Geneva. 1st Edition.

(3) NOTICE DISCLAIMER. The information contained in this publication is subject to constant review in the light of changing government requirements and regulations. No subscriber or other reader should act on the basis of any such information without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without taking appropriate professional advice. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the International Air Transport Association shall not be held responsible for loss or damage caused by errors, omissions, misprints or misinterpretation of the contents hereof. Furthermore, the International Air Transport Association expressly disclaims all and any liability to any person, whether a purchaser of this publication or not, in respect of anything done or omitted, and the consequences of anything done or omitted, by any such person in reliance on the contents of this publication. Opinions expressed in advertisements appearing in this publication are the advertiser’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of IATA. The mention of specific companies or products in advertisement does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by IATA in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of the Airport Operations Distance Learning Manual may be reproduced, recast, reformatted or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission from: Director IATA Training and Development Institute IATA 800 Place Victoria P.O. Box 113 Montreal, Quebec Canada H4Z 1M1. Airport Operations Distance Learning Manual Ref. No: 8263-01 ISBN 92-9195-510-8 © 2005 International Air Transport Association. All rights reserved. Montreal — Geneva.

(4) Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ix. Module 1 – Understanding the Airport .....................................................................1 Module Prerequisites .........................................................................................................................1 Module Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................1 Module Overview ...............................................................................................................................1 1 Overview of the Air Transport System ............................................................................3 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...............................................................................................3 1.2 Unit Overview ..............................................................................................................3 1.3 The Importance of the Air Transportation Industry ......................................................3 1.4 The Need for Air Transportation...................................................................................3 1.5 The Providers of Air Transportation Services ..............................................................3 1.6 Unit Summary ...............................................................................................................3 2 History of Aviation and Airports, Technological Changes, Statistics and Forecasts ........................................................................................................7 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...............................................................................................7 2.2 Unit Overview ..............................................................................................................7 2.3 History of Aviation and Airports...................................................................................7 2.4 Technological Changes .................................................................................................9 2.5 Airside ..........................................................................................................................9 2.6 Terminals ....................................................................................................................10 2.7 Landside ......................................................................................................................10 2.8 Protection of the Environment .................................................................................... 11 2.9 Statistics and Forecasts ............................................................................................... 11 2.10 Unit Summary ............................................................................................................. 11 3 Airport Definition and Functions.....................................................................................13 3.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................13 3.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................13 3.3 What is an Airport? .....................................................................................................13 3.4 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................14 4 Airport Customers and Partners ......................................................................................15 4.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................15 4.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................15 4.3 On-site Airport Customers ..........................................................................................15 4.4 Off-site Associated Partners........................................................................................20 4.5 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................21 5 The Need for Standardisation ..........................................................................................23 5.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................23 5.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................23 5.3 Why Standardise? .......................................................................................................23 5.4 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................24 6 Airport Management ..........................................................................................................27 6.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................27 6.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................27 6.3 Ownership and Operation ...........................................................................................27 6.4 Airport Operators ........................................................................................................27 6.5 Airport Management ...................................................................................................28 6.6 Degree of Involvement by the Airport Operator.........................................................28 6.7 Airport Organisational Structures ...............................................................................28. i.

(5) Airport Operations. 6.8 Airport Management as a Career ................................................................................29 6.9 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................30 7 The Airport Business ...........................................................................................................33 7.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................33 7.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................33 7.3 Costs ...........................................................................................................................33 7.4 Revenues .....................................................................................................................33 7.5 Freedom to Set Rates .................................................................................................34 7.6 Financing Major Expenditures ...................................................................................34 7.7 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................35 8 The Economic Impact of Airports ....................................................................................37 8.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................37 8.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................37 8.3 Economic Benefits ......................................................................................................37 8.4 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................38 9 Airport Master Planning ....................................................................................................39 9.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................39 9.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................39 9.3 Why Plan? ...................................................................................................................39 9.4 How to Plan?...............................................................................................................39 9.5 Land Use Compatibility ..............................................................................................40 9.6 The Planning Process ..................................................................................................40 9.7 Public Consultation .....................................................................................................41 9.8 How to use the Master Plan ........................................................................................41 9.9 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................41 Module Summary .............................................................................................................................43 Activities and Discussion ................................................................................................................45 Review .................................................................................................................................................46 Further Reading ................................................................................................................................47 References ..........................................................................................................................................47. Module 2 – The Airport as an Operational System.........................................49 Module Prerequisites .......................................................................................................................49 Module Learning Outcomes ..........................................................................................................49 Module Overview .............................................................................................................................49 1 The Airside ............................................................................................................................51 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................51 1.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................51 1.3 The Movement Area ...................................................................................................52 1.4 Visual Aids ..................................................................................................................56 1.5 Electronic Aids............................................................................................................64 1.6 Communication Aids ..................................................................................................71 1.7 Meteorological Services .............................................................................................72 1.8 Air Traffic Services ....................................................................................................74 1.9 Secondary Power Supply ............................................................................................78 1.10 Obstacle Restriction and Removal..............................................................................78 1.11 Safety and Security ....................................................................................................82 1.12 Airside Commercial Tenants ......................................................................................82 1.13 Airport Certification ...................................................................................................83 1.14 Operational Procedures ...............................................................................................87 1.15 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................109. ii.

(6) Table of Contents. 2. The Terminal Area ............................................................................................................. 111 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes........................................................................................... 111 2.2 Unit Overview .......................................................................................................... 111 2.3 Definition, Scope, Objectives, and Functions .......................................................... 111 2.4 Processing of Passengers, Luggage, and Freight ...................................................... 116 2.5 Different Types of Terminal ......................................................................................132 2.6 Operational Procedures .............................................................................................135 2.7 Unit Summary ..........................................................................................................142 3 Landside Operations .........................................................................................................143 3.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................143 3.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................143 3.3 Definition, Scope, and Access Modes .....................................................................143 3.4 Processes ...................................................................................................................157 3.5 Commercial Lands ....................................................................................................159 3.6 Operational Procedures .............................................................................................159 3.7 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................163 Module Summary ..........................................................................................................................166 Activities and Discussion .............................................................................................................168 Review ...............................................................................................................................................170 Further Reading ..............................................................................................................................174 References ........................................................................................................................................174. Module 3 – Security .............................................................................................................175 Module Prerequisites .....................................................................................................................175 Module Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................175 Module Overview ...........................................................................................................................175 1 Introduction to Civil Aviation Security .........................................................................177 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................177 1.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................177 1.3 Definition ..................................................................................................................177 1.4 Objective ...................................................................................................................177 1.5 General Principles .....................................................................................................177 1.6 Brief History .............................................................................................................177 1.7 Aviation as a Target ..................................................................................................177 1.8 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................178 2 The International Framework ........................................................................................179 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................179 2.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................179 2.3 Introduction...............................................................................................................179 2.4 Legal Instruments – Conventions and Protocol ........................................................179 2.5 Technical Documents – Annexes and Other Documents ..........................................180 2.6 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................180 3 The National Framework .................................................................................................181 3.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................181 3.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................181 3.3 The National Civil Aviation Security Programme ....................................................181 3.4 The National Civil Aviation Security Authority .......................................................182 3.5 National Civil Aviation Security Committee ............................................................182 3.6 Role ...........................................................................................................................182 3.7 Membership ..............................................................................................................182 3.8 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................184. iii.

(7) Airport Operations. 4. The Airport Framework ...................................................................................................185 4.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................185 4.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................185 4.3 Introduction...............................................................................................................185 4.4 Airport Security Programme.....................................................................................185 4.5 Airport Security Authority ........................................................................................186 4.6 Responsibilities .........................................................................................................186 4.7 Resources and Tools .................................................................................................186 4.8 Airport Civil Aviation Security Committee ..............................................................186 4.9 Preventative Measures ..............................................................................................187 4.10 Response to Acts of Unlawful Interference ..............................................................196 4.11 Off-site Associated Partners......................................................................................200 4.12 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................201 5 Aircraft Operator‘s Security Programme .....................................................................203 5.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................203 5.2 Unit Overview .........................................................................................................203 5.3 Introduction...............................................................................................................203 5.4 Programme ................................................................................................................203 5.5 Control of Passengers on the Apron .........................................................................203 5.6 Control of Operator’s Premises and Materials .........................................................204 5.7 Control of Access to Parked Aircraft ........................................................................204 5.8 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................204 6 Security vs Facilitation .....................................................................................................205 6.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................205 6.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................205 6.3 How to Cope? ...........................................................................................................205 6.4 Practical Measures ....................................................................................................205 6.5 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................206 7 Training and Awareness ..................................................................................................207 7.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................207 7.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................207 7.3 Training Requirements .............................................................................................207 7.4 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................208 8 Testing, Inspections, and Audits ....................................................................................209 8.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................209 8.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................209 8.3 Definitions ................................................................................................................209 8.4 Items Subject to Testing, Inspections and Audits .....................................................209 8.5 What Causes Lack of Performance? .........................................................................209 8.6 Consequences of Lack of Performance in a Civil Aviation Security Context ..........210 8.7 Methods used to Test, Inspect, and Audit .................................................................210 8.8 Follow up Measures ..................................................................................................210 8.9 Unit Summary ........................................................................................................... 211 Module Summary ...........................................................................................................................212 Activities and Discussion ..............................................................................................................214 Review ...............................................................................................................................................215 Further Reading ..............................................................................................................................217 References ........................................................................................................................................217. iv.

(8) Table of Contents. Module 4 – Support Services.........................................................................................219 Module Prerequisites .....................................................................................................................219 Module Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................219 Module Overview ...........................................................................................................................219 1 Rescue and Fire Fighting ..................................................................................................221 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................221 1.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................221 1.3 Introduction...............................................................................................................221 1.4 Requirement ..............................................................................................................221 1.5 Objective ...................................................................................................................221 1.6 Scope.........................................................................................................................221 1.7 Provider.....................................................................................................................221 1.8 Response Time ..........................................................................................................222 1.9 Equipment and Materials ..........................................................................................222 1.10 Level of Protection ...................................................................................................223 1.11 Changes in the Level of Service ...............................................................................224 1.12 Personnel...................................................................................................................224 1.13 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................226 2 External Services................................................................................................................227 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................227 2.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................227 2.3 Water Supply.............................................................................................................227 2.4 Sanitary Sewage .......................................................................................................228 2.5 Electrical Power ........................................................................................................230 2.7 Surface Run-off Management ...................................................................................231 2.8 Communications .......................................................................................................233 2.9 Natural Gas ...............................................................................................................233 2.10 Solid Waste Management .........................................................................................235 2.11 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................237 Module Summary ...........................................................................................................................238 Activities and Discussion ..............................................................................................................239 Review ...............................................................................................................................................240 Further Reading ..............................................................................................................................242 References ........................................................................................................................................242. Module 5 – Airport Issues and Challenges ..........................................................243 Module Prerequisites .....................................................................................................................243 Module Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................243 Module Overview ...........................................................................................................................243 1 Security Threats .................................................................................................................245 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................245 1.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................245 1.3 Introduction...............................................................................................................245 1.4 Impacts of Security Threats and Unlawful Acts .......................................................245 1.5 Evolution of Security Threats ...................................................................................246 1.6 How Airport Operators Cope with the Current Threat Challenge ............................246 1.7 Challenge of the Future ...........................................................................................246 1.8 Detecting Dangerous People.....................................................................................246 1.9 Methods for Detecting Passengers Travelling under a False Identity ......................247 1.10 Extension of the Use of Biometrics to Passengers ...................................................249 1.11 Screening of Checked Luggage ................................................................................250 1.12 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................251. v.

(9) Airport Operations. 2. Economics ............................................................................................................................253 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................253 2.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................253 2.3 Current Aviation Environment ..................................................................................253 2.4 What Drives Demand for Air Transportation?..........................................................253 2.5 The Airlines’ Challenge ............................................................................................253 2.6 Airlines’ Actions .......................................................................................................254 2.7 The Airports’ Challenge ............................................................................................254 2.8 Airports’ Actions .......................................................................................................254 2.9 Airports Financial Results ........................................................................................255 2.10 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................255 3 Capacity ...............................................................................................................................257 3.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................257 3.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................257 3.3 Capacity – Definition ................................................................................................257 3.4 Congestion ................................................................................................................257 3.5 Delay .........................................................................................................................257 3.6 Planning for Peak Demand .......................................................................................257 3.7 Characteristics of Airport Demand ...........................................................................258 3.8 Conflicting Objectives ..............................................................................................259 3.9 Strategies to Bring Demand and Capacity into Balance ...........................................259 3.10 Smart Solutions to Capacity Problems .....................................................................260 3.11 Capacity Cycles ........................................................................................................261 3.12 Where Are We Now in the Capacity Cycle? .............................................................262 3.13 Conclusion ................................................................................................................263 3.14 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................264 4 New Aircraft Types ............................................................................................................265 4.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................265 4.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................265 4.3 Introduction...............................................................................................................265 4.4 The Past – How Aircraft Technology Evolved .........................................................265 4.5 Evolution of Engines ................................................................................................267 4.6 Other Technologies ...................................................................................................268 4.7 Impact of the Evolution of Aircraft on Airport Facilities .........................................270 4.8 Future Aircraft Types under Construction (The Known Future) ..............................271 4.9 Future Aircraft Types (The Unknown) .....................................................................272 4.10 New Fuels .................................................................................................................273 4.11 Unit Summary ..........................................................................................................273 5 Sustainable Development ...............................................................................................275 5.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................275 5.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................275 5.3 Introduction – World Context ...................................................................................275 5.4 Is the Global Environmental Situation that Serious? ................................................276 5.5 The Aviation Context ................................................................................................277 5.6 Sustainable Development at the Airport Level .........................................................277 5.7 The Challenge of Sustainable Development ............................................................278 5.8 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................280 Module Summary ...........................................................................................................................281 Activities and Discussion ..............................................................................................................283 Review ...............................................................................................................................................284 Further Reading ..............................................................................................................................286. vi.

(10) Table of Contents. Module 6 – The Future of Airports ...........................................................................287 Module Prerequisites .....................................................................................................................287 Module Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................287 Module Overview ...........................................................................................................................287 1 Future Technology .............................................................................................................289 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................289 1.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................289 1.3 Airside.......................................................................................................................289 1.4 Terminal ...................................................................................................................292 1.5 Airline Operations ....................................................................................................293 1.6 Summary of Benefits for Airports ............................................................................293 1.7 Landside ....................................................................................................................294 1.8 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................294 2 Ownership and Operation ..............................................................................................295 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................295 2.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................295 2.3 The Need for Commercialisation and Private Sector Participation ..........................295 2.4 The Future .................................................................................................................295 2.5 Many Types of Airports ............................................................................................296 2.6 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................296 3 Coping with Uncertainty .................................................................................................297 3.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...........................................................................................297 3.2 Unit Overview ..........................................................................................................297 3.3 Introduction – Concept of Uncertainty .....................................................................297 3.4 Uncertainty in the Airport World ..............................................................................297 3.5 Airport Planning in Times of Stability......................................................................298 3.6 What Has Changed? .................................................................................................298 3.7 Tools to Cope with Uncertainty ................................................................................300 3.8 New Planning Strategies ...........................................................................................300 3.9 Unit Summary ...........................................................................................................301 Module Summary ...........................................................................................................................302 Activities and Discussion ..............................................................................................................303 Review ...............................................................................................................................................304 Answers to Study Checks and Review Questions ..................................................................306 Glossary............................................................................................................................................. 311 Further Reading ..............................................................................................................................312 References ........................................................................................................................................312. vii.

(11) Airport Operations. viii.

(12) INTRODUCTION. Introduction. AIRPORT OPERATIONS Welcome to the exciting world of airport operations! In a rapidly changing environment, airports have to adapt to economic downturns, technological changes, market changes, airline commercial deregulation, and the worldwide trend to convert airports from government organisations to more business-like entities. These pressures have or have had or are having significant effects on the way airports do business, not only from a financial perspective but also from an operational standpoint. In these challenging times, and with emerging competition from other airports and other modes of transportation, it is of the utmost importance that airports recruit and provide employees and managers with the best available knowledge and skills. This course was prepared to provide you with a solid overview of the airport operations field and with tools to apply your knowledge and skills to your airport. It is designed to be useful not only for your own benefit but also to help you make better decisions for your organisation. For writing purposes, the text assumes the reader works in an airport environment. However, this manual is intended for all people who have an interest in airports, whether they are currently working at an airport, are planning to do so, or simply have a personal interest in this area.. LEARNING AIDS To help you successfully complete and enjoy the course in a productive fashion, we have included the following learning aids:. CONTENTS AND INTRODUCTION At the beginning of each chapter you will see a table of contents. An introduction, highlighting the chapter’s aims and objectives is also given.. AIRPORT OPERATIONS PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES Airport operations principles and techniques are explained as clearly and as concisely as possible. Diagrams are used to illustrate how they work.. CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES These appear throughout the Course. They will provide you with the opportunity to see what you have studied in the context of “real world” situations. Where obtaining complete material from a real world case study is not possible, an imaginary case study is featured instead.. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Each chapter includes Discussion Questions, covering the main points of the chapter. These questions enable you to assess your understanding of the concepts discussed. The answers are included in a separate section at the end of the manual.. ix.

(13) Airport Operations. KEY LEARNING POINTS Key Learning Points are highlighted throughout the text and are designed to emphasise particularly important issues and conclusions.. SUMMARY Each chapter ends with a summary drawing together the main points of the chapter.. GLOSSARY At the end of the Course, there is a “GLOSSARY” section, which explains the most important terms used in the manual.. RECOMMENDED READING Should you wish to further research a given topic, a list of recommended reading is included at the end of this manual.. EXAMINATION PROCEDURES The course fee covers the training material and mailing but does not include any expense incurred by students in connection with the examinations. Examinations leading to an IATA Certificate in Airport Operations will be held in JUNE and DECEMBER of each year at IATA Examination Centres (in Geneva, Miami, Montreal, Singapore and other locations when possible). The examination must be taken within 18 months of registering for the course. Students who are not successful at the first attempt may retake the examination once at no extra fee, within this period. Students must notify the IATA Training and Development Institute of their intention to take the examination AT LEAST 2 months before the examination date. Candidates are required to bring their identity card or passport to the examination. Students who register for an examination and do not attend will be recorded as no-show and will automatically lose one examination attempt. This course is designed to make the study of Modern Airport Operations and its application in the Airport Industry as enjoyable and as stimulating as possible. We hope we have succeeded. Good luck with the course.. x.

(14) Module 1 – Understanding the Airport Module Prerequisites .........................................................................................................................1 Module Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................1 Module Overview ...............................................................................................................................1 1. Overview of the Air Transport System ............................................................................3 1.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...............................................................................................3 1.2 Unit Overview ..............................................................................................................3 1.3 The Importance of the Air Transportation Industry ......................................................3 1.4 The Need for Air Transportation...................................................................................3 1.5 The Providers of Air Transportation Services ..............................................................3 1.6 Unit Summary ...............................................................................................................3. 2. History of Aviation and Airports, Technological Changes, Statistics and Forecasts ........................................................................................................7 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes...............................................................................................7 2.2 Unit Overview ..............................................................................................................7 2.3 History of Aviation and Airports...................................................................................7 2.4 Technological Changes .................................................................................................9 2.5 Airside ..........................................................................................................................9 2.6 Terminals ....................................................................................................................10 2.7 Landside ......................................................................................................................10 2.8 Protection of the Environment .................................................................................... 11 2.9 Statistics and Forecasts ............................................................................................... 11 2.10 Unit Summary ............................................................................................................. 11. 3. Airport Definition and Functions.....................................................................................13 3.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................13 3.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................13 3.3 What is an Airport? .....................................................................................................13 3.4 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................14. 4. Airport Customers and Partners ......................................................................................15 4.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................15 4.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................15 4.3 On-site Airport Customers ..........................................................................................15 4.3.1 Airlines ..........................................................................................................15 4.3.2 Ground Handlers............................................................................................16 4.3.3 Passengers ......................................................................................................17 4.3.4 Visitors ...........................................................................................................17 4.3.5 Concessionaires .............................................................................................18 4.3.6 Land Tenants ..................................................................................................19 4.3.7 Government Agencies....................................................................................19 4.3.8 Air Traffic Services........................................................................................19 4.4 Off-site Associated Partners........................................................................................20 4.5 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................21. 5. The Need for Standardisation ..........................................................................................23 5.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................23.

(15) Airport Operations. 5.2 5.3 5.4. Unit Overview ............................................................................................................23 Why Standardise? .......................................................................................................23 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................24. 6. Airport Management ..........................................................................................................27 6.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................27 6.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................27 6.3 Ownership and Operation ...........................................................................................27 6.4 Airport Operators ........................................................................................................27 6.5 Airport Management ...................................................................................................28 6.6 Degree of Involvement by the Airport Operator.........................................................28 6.7 Airport Organisational Structures ...............................................................................28 6.8 Airport Management as a Career ................................................................................29 6.9 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................30. 7. The Airport Business ...........................................................................................................33 7.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................33 7.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................33 7.3 Costs ...........................................................................................................................33 7.4 Revenues .....................................................................................................................33 7.5 Freedom to Set Rates .................................................................................................34 7.6 Financing Major Expenditures ...................................................................................34 7.7 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................35. 8. The Economic Impact of Airports ....................................................................................37 8.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................37 8.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................37 8.3 Economic Benefits ......................................................................................................37 8.3.1 Employment...................................................................................................37 8.3.2 Economic Impact ...........................................................................................37 8.4 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................38. 9. Airport Master Planning ....................................................................................................39 9.1 Unit Learning Outcomes.............................................................................................39 9.2 Unit Overview ............................................................................................................39 9.3 Why Plan? ...................................................................................................................39 9.4 How to Plan?...............................................................................................................39 9.5 Land Use Compatibility ..............................................................................................40 9.6 The Planning Process ..................................................................................................40 9.7 Public Consultation .....................................................................................................41 9.8 How to use the Master Plan ........................................................................................41 9.9 Unit Summary .............................................................................................................41. Module Summary .............................................................................................................................43 Activities and Discussion ................................................................................................................45 Review .................................................................................................................................................46 Further Reading ................................................................................................................................47 References ..........................................................................................................................................47.

(16) Understanding the Airport. UNDERSTANDING THE AIRPORT MODULE PREREQUISITES. There are no prerequisites for this module except for your motivation to learn about an extremely interesting, dynamic, and fast-changing industry.. MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of this module, you should be able to: •. Identify key data relative to world statistics on air transportation (unit 1).. •. Summarise the history of aviation and airports, from their infancy to today’s complex worldwide industries, and the main technological changes implemented over the years to make air transport safer, more secure, more efficient and economical (unit 2).. •. Understand what an airport is, and what its functions are (unit 3).. •. Identify the multiple customers and partners that airports have, and their complex interactions (unit 4).. •. Explain the requirements for national and international standardisation in airports, and how this consistency is achieved through regulation and cooperation (unit 5).. •. Describe the various airport management and ownership options and their evolution (unit 6).. •. Describe the key elements of the airport business (unit 7).. •. Describe the economic impacts that airports have on the area they serve (unit 8).. •. Understand the importance of airport master planning as a long-term management tool (unit 9).. MODULE OVERVIEW Before starting to learn about the detailed functions played by airport operations, it is essential that you acquire a broad knowledge of how aviation and airports were born and how they developed. You also need to secure a good understanding of the complexity of the airport environment as well as the relationships between the various players involved. Regardless of their size and complexity, airports operate in a highly regulated environment, they serve a wide variety of customers with sometimes conflicting needs, they receive services from many external providers, and they generate both positive and negative impacts on the community they serve. Their activities extend well beyond their property boundaries. Finally, yet importantly, they can be highly sensitive to social, economic, environmental, technological, and political influences. In response to rapid and radical changes in the air transport industry, airports must constantly adapt and foresee these changes. Adopting a business approach allows airports to better serve their customers, in a safe, efficient and economical manner.. 1.

(17) Airport Operations. 2.

(18) 1 Overview of the Air Transport System 1.1. UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES. Upon completion of this module, you should be able to: a) State the annual volume of passengers carried by international air carriers. b) State the number of international airlines. c) State the number of airports. d) State the level of employment generated by world airports. e) Explain the needs behind air transportation. f) Describe the major components of the air transport system. g) Describe the need for cooperation between these components.. 1.2. UNIT OVERVIEW. Air transportation is a huge industry. Its services are provided by several components with a strong international dimension. In order for the system to meet the needs of its customers, there is a strong requirement for cooperation between all organisations involved.. 1.3. THE IMPORTANCE INDUSTRY. OF THE. AIR TRANSPORTATION. Every year, more than 1.8 billion people travel by air, flying more than 1.5 billion kilometres. There are approximately 270 international airlines in the world, and many more national and regional ones; there are at least 1500 major airports in the world; overall, airports generate 4.5 million jobsi. The importance of the air transportation industry: Figures 1 and 2 show a range of airports, from a very large international airport at one end of the spectrum to a small airport serving light, recreational aircraft.. 1.4. THE NEED. FOR. AIR TRANSPORTATION. Air Transportation exists to respond to the need that people have to travel rapidly and safely between two points; it also serves people who need to ship goods that must arrive at destination as quickly as possible, either because they are needed urgently, or they are perishables of high value, or a combination of these factors.. 1.5. THE PROVIDERS. OF. AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. Air transportation is provided by the cooperation of airlines, airports, air traffic control agencies and many other support organisations. Its success depends on a coordinated approach between these players. The single most important thing that you must keep in mind in your day-to-day work is that air transport is a service activity with one focus: the customer.. 1.6. UNIT SUMMARY. Air transportation is an important global industry made up of hundreds of service providers who must work in cooperation in order to meet the needs of its customers.. 3.

(19) Airport Operations. Key Learning Point. The air transportation industry is a global activity of considerable size (270 airlines, 1500 airports, 1.8 billion passengers, 4.5 million employees).. Applying Your Learning at Work Observe the main service providers at your airport: the operator (your employer), the airlines, and the control tower. Do you see other service providers?. 4.

(20) Understanding the Airport. Figure 1: A Large International Airport. Figure 2: A Small General Aviation Airport. 5.

(21) Airport Operations. 6.

(22) 2 History of Aviation and Airports, Technological Changes, Statistics and Forecasts 2.1. UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES. Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to: a) Summarise the history of aviation and airports. b) Identify some key examples of technological changes as they affect airports. c) List some figures relative to traffic statistics and forecasts.. 2.2. UNIT OVERVIEW. After only a century of existence, aviation reached unprecedented levels of activity and sophistication. Today’s industry bears no resemblance with what it was only fifty years ago. Technological advances in aircraft design changed the face of this industry from wooden to supersonic airliners in a matter of decades. Airports had to adapt to this fast changing reality by providing facilities and services keeping pace with the progresses of its customers. In spite of several recent setbacks in the air transportation industry, it is recovering and experts predict that passenger volumes should double within the next twenty years. It will be caused by economic growth, the increase in disposable income, the advent of low cost carriers, the increased efficiency of new aircraft, the intensification of international trade, and the liberalisation of air transportation. This will put even greater pressure on airports to keep pace with this level of demand.. 2.3. HISTORY. OF. AVIATION. AND. AIRPORTS. Aviation is a relatively new industry: the first sustained, controlled and powered flight took place only a century ago when, on December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew his wood and fabric aircraft for 12 seconds over a 37-meter distance, operating from a sandy strip (Figure 3). This strip in North Carolina, U.S.A. was probably indistinguishable from other surrounding areas but it can be considered as the first airport. In spite of its extremely basic characteristics, it met the very simple needs of the day.. Figure 3: First Flight on December 17, 1903. 7.

(23) Airport Operations. The first known official airports date back to 1909. As flight became more common and as the number of aeroplanes increased, so did the number of airports. They were still open fields but they included minimum facilities allowing aeroplanes to take off and land, to be parked, fuelled, and repaired. These are the basic aeronautical functions of an airport. During World War I (1914 to 1918), it became apparent that aircrafts could play an important role in national defence. As a result, this period saw the production of the first combat aircrafts and the construction by countries involved in this conflict of many military airports. Following the war, some of these military airports remained operational and were converted to civil use; they formed the early nucleus of a national airport system. Initially a local responsibility, after World War I airport development became a mix of military, commercial, and private responsibilities. One of the most obvious and attractive benefits of flying, besides the simple thrill of no longer being restricted to the earth’s surface, was the possibility of carrying mail at several times the speed of a train. As a result, in 1918, the first intercity air mail service was established. At the same time, communities discovered the importance of airports to connect them to the rest of the country. By 1925 some airmail transport was contracted out to private aircraft operators: this was the birth of the airline industry. Between 1925 and 1940, air transportation grew steadily in several countries. In 1940, with the outbreak of World War II, countries involved in this conflict constructed large numbers of air bases, some of them being planned so as to be useful to civil aviation after the war. By the end of World War II, in 1945, several countries owned surplus air bases; many surplus transport aircraft, and qualified aircrews were also available: all the ingredients for a full-fledged air transport industry were present. This is when air transportation really started to grow worldwide (Figure 4).. Figure 4: Historical Passenger Volumes1. 1. 8. ICAO Bulletin and ACI Worldwide Airport Traffic Statistics.

(24) Understanding the Airport. 2.4. TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES. In general terms, “technology” means the application of science to industrial uses. In this manual, we will use this word as meaning the various physical components that make up the overall aviation infrastructure and that allows airports, airlines, air traffic control agencies and other service providers to move people and goods by air, safely and efficiently. Aviation technology constantly evolves to meet the changing needs of its customers. Technological changes are generated by the following factors: safety, security, reliability, efficiency, and protection of the environment. In the following paragraphs, you will learn about technological changes as they affect airports.. 2.5. AIRSIDE. Refer to Figure 5 throughout this section. In the early days of aviation, aircrafts were light, slow and operated in good meteorological conditions (Visual Meteorological Conditions or VMC). They could operate out of grassed strips and a small hangar was the only ground facility required. As aircrafts became faster and heavier and as the need for reliability increased, hard surface runways had to be constructed; eventually, these runways were equipped with edge lighting to allow flights to operate in reduced visibility conditions or at night.. Figure 5: The Three Areas of an Airport. As the characteristics of aircrafts became increasingly demanding, airports had to construct longer and wider runways, along with higher pavement strength. This trend lasted until the mid 1970s when new, more powerful engines became available and the take off length required by the heaviest aircraft stabilised, and then gradually decreased. As the density of traffic increased, especially on and around airports, some sort of order had to be instituted to keep flying safe. Air Traffic Control was created, first in the form of Control Towers, with the responsibility to prevent collisions on the ground and in the air, near airports, and to provide a smooth flow of traffic. With Air Traffic Control came the need for radio communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. To that effect, radio transmitters and receivers were installed at airports and on-board aircrafts.. 9.

(25) Airport Operations. Flying under Visual Meteorological Conditions brings about severe limitations to the reliability of air transport: when meteorological conditions fall below prescribed limits, it becomes dangerous and eventually impossible to fly by visual reference to the ground. A new way of flying aircrafts had to be devised: it was called Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Under these rules, pilots do not fly their aircraft by visual reference to the ground, nor do they maintain adequate separation from other aircrafts visually. Instead, they fly along well-determined air routes, called Airways. They are defined by ground-based radio beacons; in-flight separation is ensured by a central air traffic control agency that keeps aircraft separate vertically or longitudinally. These agencies are called Area Control Centres (ACC) for en-route traffic and Approach Control Units (APP) for traffic operating near airports. Their main tools are radio-communication and surveillance radar. When flying IFR, pilots also need guidance during the final phase of the flight, called the approach. Various electronic devices provide such assistance, coupled with visual systems. The most common electronic system is the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which guides pilots to the runway using two electronic beams for vertical and lateral guidance. It is combined with lighting systems such as approach lights. It was first introduced in 1941 and it is still in use at hundreds of airports. Flying under the Instrument Flight Rules made flying safer and more reliable. Today, commercial aircraft normally fly IFR. Airports serving commercial air transport are equipped with the technology required for aircraft to take off and land by IFR.. 2.6. TERMINALS. The terminal building is the place where passengers, luggage and freight change between the surface mode and the air mode. It is a processing facility for which technological changes have been constant and profound. While the first terminal buildings were designed only to protect passengers and employees from the elements, modern terminals are sophisticated infrastructures with almost unlimited amenities. Much of the improvements revolved around security, efficiency and comfort. Large terminals often provide moving sidewalks to reduce walking distance. Computerised ticketing and check-in procedures are becoming common to speed up the process and reduce congestion. Automated baggage sorting equipment expedites baggage processing and reduces the risk of misdirected baggage. Aviation security did not become an issue until the 1960s, when the first threats against civil aviation were made. Up until that time, it was customary for airports to allow public access near aircraft, with only minimum pre-boarding control: search of passengers was unheard of and baggage screening was unnecessary. As security became more important, states implemented measures to prevent unlawful interference with aviation: fencing of airports, restricted access to aircraft, and screening of passengers and baggage. Initially a manual operation, passenger screening now relies on state-of-the-art technology such as metal detectors, machine-readable passports and biometric recognition equipment.. 2.7. LANDSIDE. Nearly every air trip starts and ends with a car or a bus ride. However, not all rides are made by passengers: visitors come to the airport to meet or greet passengers, employees come to work, and delivery and service vehicles can be numerous. These vehicles require an efficient road network, adequate parking facilities, and a good connection to the outside highway network.. 10.

(26) Understanding the Airport. Roadway and parking congestion can be a major cause of disruption and delay. Technological improvements to alleviate this problem include dedicated rail links between the city and the airport; use of intra-airport automated people movers and automated pay equipment in parking lots.. 2.8. PROTECTION. OF THE. ENVIRONMENT. Protection of the environment became a major concern in the 1960s. More specifically, water, air and soil pollution were of concern on airports along with the impact of aircraft noise on people living near airports. Airports are industrial organisations that generate waste such as oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, sanitary sewage, and de-icing chemicals. Positive steps were taken to reduce the effect of airport operations on the natural and human environment. Airports implemented technological improvements like fuel and oil separators and recovery systems for spent de-icing chemicals. With the advent of the jet age, aircraft noise became a major issue for residents living near busy airports, especially those with frequent night traffic. Several aircraft engine improvements were implemented to reduce noise at the source, supplemented by operational procedures. You will learn more about current and future technologies in Module 2 (The Airport as an Operational System).. 2.9. STATISTICS. AND. FORECASTS. The number of passengers travelling by air increased from nine million in 1945 to 1.8 billion in 2003. The number of people flying, expressed as a percentage of the world population increased from 0.7% to 27% over the same period of timeii – this industry is expanding. In spite of the recent setbacks that caused unprecedented changes in the air transport world, traffic is recovering and experts forecast that by the year 2025 world passenger traffic could reach up to 3.8 billion, or 33% of the world population. This fact is re-assuring but is also a cause for concern relative to the potential that airports have to satisfy this level of demand.. 2.10. UNIT SUMMARY. Born only a century ago on a remote field, the aviation industry now caters to 1.6 billion passengers a year. More than 270 international airlines serve over 1500 airports in the world. This was made possible by constant technology improvements in aircraft design, air traffic control equipment and procedures, as well as airport equipment. Sophisticated electronic and visual approach systems allow airlines to operate with utmost efficiency and regularity. It is expected that traffic will continue to grow and may double by the year 2025.. Key Learning Point. Aviation grew steadily over the last fifty years. It is supported by ongoing technological changes in all areas. It is expected that traffic will double by the year 2025.. 11.

No results found