Airports are crucial in facilitating air travel and act as gateways to different parts of the world. Keeping these complex facilities running smoothly and efficiently requires a lot of planning and teamwork. After all, airports must be capable of accommodating the unique demands of different airlines, passengers, and freight industries.
There has been a lot of focus on bettering logistics of airports recently due to the ever-increasing demands placed on airports by flying travellers and businesses. The airport’s ability to efficiently handle logistics determines the smooth flow of passengers, cargo, and luggage. So, what is airport logistics, and what does it contribute to airport operations? Stay tuned if you want to know more and how to improve logistics efficiency in airports.
What is Airport Logistics?
To better understand logistics of an airport, it is crucial to first have a thorough understanding of logistics in general. The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) defines logistics as part of supply chain management that plans, carries out, and oversees the smooth flow of goods, services, and associated information from where they are made to where they are used, all with the goal of meeting customer needs.
The term “airport logistics” encompasses all the procedures and activities that ensure the smooth, cost-effective, and efficient flow of people, products, and services inside an airport. This includes activities such as refuelling and maintenance of aircraft, screening of passengers and their bags, and management of passengers’ check-in and departure.
Logistics at a Large Airport
Transporting people from the terminal to their destinations entails numerous steps. The same goes for cargo and luggage. For efficiency and smooth operation, airports employ experts to manage each stage of the process with care and precision.
Travellers must clear customs and immigration before boarding or upon arrival at their destination airport to enter the country or city where they will be spending their holiday or business trip. After they’ve complied with all the necessary formalities, they may board their flight. Take-off is scheduled as soon as everyone has boarded.
Logistics at Regional Airports
Things run considerably more smoothly at a smaller airport in terms of logistics. With fewer planes arriving and departing daily, traffic management becomes easier. For example, the number of cargo handlers required would be lower if a single airline operated all trips using five aircraft, as opposed to three separate airlines operating ten planes each. Also, when there are fewer passengers, ground crew workers and TSA officials have less work to do helping passengers board and disembark from flights (and into cabs).
Additionally, unlike bigger airports like Atlanta International Airport or London Heathrow Airport, smaller airports aren’t legally obligated to provide amenities like in-terminal restaurants or on-site car rental agencies. They don’t handle nearly as many people as larger airports. Passengers and employees alike can find these services at nearby businesses.
Airport Logistic Services to Improve Efficiency
For an airport to function, logistical services are crucial. Having a professional logistics provider on board can help maintain seamless operations amidst the increasing worldwide air cargo and passenger traffic.
Airport logistics services play a crucial role in the smooth flow of people and goods within airports. These experts handle tasks such as customs and immigration clearance, luggage management, and passenger supervision.
Airport logistics services also provide ground transportation, including arranging for shuttle buses or limousines to take you as soon as you land at your destination. In some cases, they can even arrange ground transportation between other cities.
Maximising Logistics Efficiency in Airports: Key Areas for Improvement
There is a lot more to the logistical operations of airports than meets the eye. Airports should prioritise enhancing the following aspects of airport logistics to guarantee that their business is flourishing.
Customer Service
This is common across various sectors. Customer service, however, is greatly important in logistics of an airport, particularly when it comes to minimising major interruptions to clients’ schedules. Improving customer service entails making sure that passengers are comfortable and safe and that cargo is secure and undamaged.
Ground Support
Although this is crucial to airports and the aviation industry as a whole, ground support is often overlooked when it comes to logistics in airports. Improving ground support helps reduce turnaround times for aircrafts, which is essential for airlines to meet schedules and maximise fleet utilisation. It also helps reduce operational costs and give airports a competitive edge which in turn attracts airlines.
Demand Forecasting
Demand forecasting is an essential part of airport economics. It has far-reaching consequences for airports, airlines, and the aviation industry overall. Accurate flight forecasting helps airports in efficient gate planning. It also helps make operations more efficient and cost-effective. Well-organised logistics allow for more accurate forecasting, which in turn leads to wiser decision-making, which in turn leads to more sales at lower prices.
Staging and Security
Staging and security at airports are often handled by third-party companies to assist with logistics management. Enhancing staging and security measures is essential for protecting travellers, staff, and property. Improved staging reduces delays and maximises resources by guaranteeing effective aircraft deployment and maintenance. On the other hand, strong security measures minimise the possibility of theft, terrorism, and illegal access, boosting customer trust and legal compliance.
Streamline Your Airport Logistics with Airport Gurus
At Airport Gurus, we know firsthand how airport logistics and logistics technologies can streamline the supply chain and boost efficiency throughout the entire passenger experience, from check-in to loading to departure and beyond. Years of expertise and tight customer collaboration have given us a unique insight into our clients’ problems. We help airports reach their logistical goals by providing expert airport operations technology assistance and consultancy services.
If you want to learn more about how our logistical technology can improve efficiency and effectiveness throughout the ground time cycle, contact Airport Gurus immediately.
