Airports are the key nodes in the air transport network as well as being the interface between ground and air transport. The airport represents a potential pinch point for transport in general but more acutely in the air transport network. When demand is high, airport capacity is a scarce resource, utilisation of which must be managed carefully and optimised.

Using the optimum combination of simulation tools and bespoke, analytical and statistical models, we routinely help governments, regulators, master planners, engineering companies and airport operators to determine the capacity of current and proposed airport infrastructure, both landside and airside. We are also experienced in helping clients understand the capacity implications of growth in demand and schedule changes, both sustained and associated with special events, such as the Olympics.

Airports are under strong pressure from customers and regulators alike to improve their performance, which is, of course, strongly linked to the efficient provision and management of airport capacity. Performance includes:

• economic efficiency: ensuring that resources are used in the most efficient way; that capacity is being put to its highest value use; and that investments are aligned with customers’ needs to maximise benefits;
• quality of service: ensuring that service levels delivered are aligned with the customer’s needs and/or statutory obligations.
  

We have helped many clients to measure, understand and improve airport performance. This ranges from management of the runways; understanding the impact of operational procedures and capacity management on delays and operational resilience; through management of the ATC; airport interface; to optimisation of landside processes; including safety management, passenger security screening, baggage systems, check-in and immigration. Of particular interest is the work that we have done for a range of service providers to determine best practice for economically efficient cost allocation.

The third (or possibly principal) driver for airports is the mitigation of environmental impacts. Without addressing these effects, forecast growth, even taking into account the current economic climate, is likely to be unsustainable. Airports must address this issue to secure their licence to grow. We are very active in helping policy makers, regulators, airport operators, airlines and other stakeholders, such as local government authorities and residents, understand the potential of new technologies and procedures to reduce environmental impact. We have also supported clients in comparing and contrasting different development options and understanding the trade-offs and balances between various performance criteria, such as noise, emissions, capacity, connectivity, punctuality and economic value added.

For relevant case studies visit our project profiles pages.