Glossary & Definitions
Aviation Glossary by Airport Research Center
With this glossary we would like to give short, basic explanations and definitions for important and frequently used terms in the fields of Analysis, Runway and Terminal Capacity Assessment and Airport Simulation/Allocation. These are based on our experience of practical application in the industry. We would be happy to provide you with more detailed definitions and further explanations. Please feel free to contact us.
1. Airport Simulation & Digital Twin
Understand how simulation models are used to replicate, analyse and optimise airport operations before changes are made in the real world.
2. Airport Capacity
Learn how airports evaluate their ability to handle current and future traffic demand across runways, terminals and airspace.
3. Terminal Planning, Passenger Flow & Level of Service
Core terms relating to the planning and optimisation of terminal layouts, passenger processes and service quality standards.
4. Airside, Apron & Ground Operations
Definitions covering the management of aircraft, ground vehicles and handling equipment across apron and airside environments.
5. Gate, Stand & Turnaround Management
An overview of the processes and strategies involved in gate assignment, stand utilisation and aircraft turnaround coordination.
6. Airport Master Planning
Key concepts in long-term airport infrastructure development, capacity planning and landside access management.
7. Airport Real Time Management
Terms and concepts relating to the real-time monitoring, prediction and operational management of airport processes on the day of operations.
8. Sustainable Airport Operations
An overview of the strategies, technologies and certification frameworks airports use to reduce their environmental footprint.
9. New Air Mobility (UAM)
A reference for key terms and concepts in the field of unmanned aviation, urban air mobility and emerging airspace management systems.
Explore Services & Solutions
Optimize airport panning & operations with expert consulting support.
Model ground vehicle traffic, routing, and turnaround processes.
