Designing airport terminals to integrate seamlessly with aircraft stands is a complex process that demands technical precision, close coordination, and creative problem-solving. This was especially evident during a terminal pier development project at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), where the team navigated multiple design iterations and stakeholder input to meet operational needs.
One of the key challenges was balancing operational requirements with spatial constraints.
While initially designed with nine gates, the evolving traffic predictions and associated passenger demands persuaded the team to explore the feasibility of adding a tenth. This introduced significant technical challenges and required repeated iterations of aircraft parking layouts. Each layout had to meet the needs of ground operations, maintain functionality, and adapt to the specific requirements of different airlines, all within a limited apron envelope.
A critical aspect of the project was managing the interface between the terminal building and the airside layout. Specifically, how apron depth and passenger boarding bridge (PBB) slopes influenced the location and viability of the PBB connections. Complicating matters further, the apron contained existing constraints such as hydrant pits, drainage systems, lighting infrastructure, and vehicle corridors, all of which had to be integrated into the stand geometry.
To address these challenges, the team used AviPLAN, a dedicated airport planning and design software. AviPLAN Airside Pro enabled precise modeling of aircraft stands and equipment, accounting for fleet mix, service vehicle paths, and PBB geometry. The ability to simulate and adjust layouts in confined areas was essential in developing a workable solution without compromising safety or efficiency.
Equally important was the need for multidisciplinary coordination. Addressing design conflicts early relied on close collaboration across teams, and AviPLAN supported this process by enabling efficient sharing of layouts and drawing updates.
This project highlights the value of exploring layout alternatives in detail. In space-constrained aprons, even small design refinements can lead to significant improvements. With tools like AviPLAN, airside planners are better equipped to test stand configurations, evaluate constraints, and make data-driven decisions that align terminal and airside operations more effectively.
Want to learn more?
Watch the webinar about this project or get in touch to discuss how AviPLAN software can support your next airport design project.