GATES

6.3 GATES

The problem:

  • Gate position availability limited

Possible constraints:

  • Airport may ban small aircraft
  • Airport may introduce “flat” landing fees
  • Small aircraft may be diverted to remote parking

Conventional solutions:

  • Provide optimum access for servicing
  • Provide mechanical systems to speed up baggage loading/unloading
  • Capability to maneuver on ground with high taxiing speed

Advanced solutions: 

  • Use new bigger baggage containers (LDX)
  • Use passengers plus baggage “containers”
  • Open up cargo hold so that passengers can store their baggage themselves
  • Invent new integral baggage loading devices (lifting platforms/ robots,)
  • Lower aircraft to minimise freight hold sill height

Problems arising from the UHCA:

  • Height of doors (cargo and passenger)
  • Aircraft length
  • Wing span
  • Amount of baggage and people Ground service equipment

Advantages with an UHCA:

  • Two gates, one for the upper and one for the lower deck
  • Facility to lower aircraft
  • Get special UHCA slots close to the runway
  • See runway
  • Baggage: Bigger LDX containers
  • new faster ground service equipment
  • Passenger: two gates

An UHCA was born