Aircraft Ground Handling: Analysis for Automation

Abstract

This paper presents the state of the art of aircraft ground handling at airports. The main opportunities for automation of these activities are pointed out. This leads to identify different challenges to be overcomed to build safe and efficient automated ground handling operations. Greatest opportunity for automation lies with automated docking of ground support equipment to aircraft in the short term, with further autonomous vehicles moving around the aircraft and automated systems within the aircraft later on.

Detection and Control Framework for Unpiloted Ground Support Equipment within the Aircraft Stand

“…The implementation of a virtual channel within the aircraft stand effectively organizes the previously chaotic routes of GSE operations [ 38 ], reducing the occurrence of accidents stemming from unorganized vehicle movements at the airport. Incorporating turning induction markers allows the Unpiloted GSE to navigate efficiently to the designated door positions of different aircraft, improving operational efficiency.…”

New technologies in management of ground movements at the airport

“…The ideas that arose in the process of simplifying and automating ground handling processes are also improvements in the area of supplying refreshments and the necessary equipment for the next flight. It would be a concept of exchanging the entire vans, parts of galleys -modules that would be suitably adapted for exchange and there would be no need to deliver catering in carts (Tabares, Mora-Camino, 2017).…”

“…The system of coordinated movement that is in the areas of the airport is shown in some proposals for a systematic operation to be comparable to the currently used movement system, but other restrictions on the movement of mechanisms, precisely determined movement routes, determination of zones of possible entry or transfer would apply. As the rules of speed of movement or circulation would be preserved, changes would occur only in the coordination of vehicles, which can significantly disrupt the systematic operation of ground handling services (Tabares, Mora-Camino, 2017).…”

“…By using just such concepts and plans, in the future aviation can expect, for example, the re-design of individual ground facilities, whether from the point of view of size, compatibility, efficiency, or equipment. When several inefficient and time-consuming discrepancies are detected, it is necessary to record and resolve all suggestions and apply new proposals that contribute to the quality of air transport in the world through their gradual incorporation (Tabares, Mora-Camino, 2017).…”

“…Fig. 2 A sample of the scheme of the plan of ground movements of aircraft operatorswith precisely defined rules of movement Source:Tabares, Mora-Camino, 2017 …”