Ground Operations

Airport operations optimized for 25-30 minute turnaround to maximize aircraft utilization in high-frequency shuttle operations.

Strategic Target

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                                                                 │
│    25-30 MIN    Target Turnaround Time (TAT)                   │
│                                                                 │
│    This aggressive target enables:                              │
│    • Maximized SGR (Scheduled Ground Return)                   │
│    • Higher aircraft utilization                                │
│    • Reduced fixed cost per flight                              │
│    • Competitive shuttle frequency                              │
│                                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Scope

Turnaround Management

Aircraft arrival processing
Rapid cleaning (no deep clean)
Minimal catering (buy-on-board model)
Parallel operations
Turnaround time optimization

Enabling Technology

Paperless Handling: Full digitization of ground processes to eliminate administrative lag
Common Use Tech: Utilization of shared airport infrastructure (CUPPS/CUSS)
Real-time Coordination: Mobile apps for all ground staff

Baggage Handling (Simplified)

Carry-on priority model
Paid checked bags only
Fast bag drop
Minimal transfer bags (point-to-point focus)

Ramp Operations

Optimized GSE positioning
Single-aisle aircraft only
Standardized procedures
Pre-positioned equipment

The 25-30 Minute Turnaround

Turnaround Timeline

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                      25-30 Minute Turn                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                 │
│  0        5        10       15       20       25       30      │
│  │────────│────────│────────│────────│────────│────────│       │
│                                                                 │
│  │◄─── Deplaning ───►│  Paperless                              │
│       (10 min)          Handoff                                │
│                         ↓                                       │
│                    │◄── Cleaning/Catering ──►│  Paperless      │
│                           (10 min)              Handoff        │
│                                                 ↓               │
│                                            │◄── Boarding ──►│  │
│                                                 (10 min)       │
│                                                                 │
│  ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════      │
│  Total Turn: ~30 Minutes (Target: 25-30)                       │
│                                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Parallel Operations

T+0:  Aircraft arrives, chocks
      │
      ├─► Deplaning begins (front door)
      ├─► Aft cargo unload starts
      │
T+5:  Deplaning continues
      ├─► Cleaning crew enters (aft to front)
      ├─► Lavatory service starts
      │
T+10: Deplaning complete
      ├─► Cleaning in progress
      ├─► Boarding pass scanning ready
      ├─► Cargo loading begins
      │
T+15: Cleaning complete
      ├─► Final cabin check
      ├─► Fueling complete (if needed)
      │
T+20: Boarding begins
      ├─► Boarding by zones (back to front)
      │
T+25: Boarding complete
      ├─► Final headcount
      ├─► Doors close
      │
T+28-30: Pushback

Critical Success Factors

Factor	Requirement
Deplaning	Single aisle, both doors if possible
Cleaning	Quick turn clean only, 2-3 crew
Catering	Minimal or pre-positioned
Fueling	Only when required, parallel operation
Boarding	Strict zone boarding, no seat selection chaos
Baggage	Minimal checked bags, fast loading

Research Topics

LCC turnaround best practices (Southwest, Ryanair)
Paperless ground handling systems
CUPPS implementation at Venezuelan airports
Ground handler SLAs for 25-min turn
Parallel fueling regulations
Single-aisle boarding optimization
Weather impact on turnaround

Architecture Considerations

Data Model

Turnaround
├── FlightArrival
├── FlightDeparture
├── Aircraft
├── Gate/Stand
├── TargetTAT (25-30 min)
├── Milestones[]
│   ├── MilestoneType
│   │   ├── ON_BLOCKS
│   │   ├── DOORS_OPEN
│   │   ├── DEPLANING_COMPLETE
│   │   ├── CLEANING_START
│   │   ├── CLEANING_COMPLETE
│   │   ├── BOARDING_START
│   │   ├── BOARDING_COMPLETE
│   │   ├── DOORS_CLOSED
│   │   └── OFF_BLOCKS
│   ├── TargetTime
│   ├── ActualTime
│   └── Variance
├── Services[]
│   ├── ServiceType
│   ├── Provider
│   ├── StartTime
│   ├── EndTime
│   └── Status
├── Alerts[]
└── FinalTAT

Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 Turnaround Status - Flight OT101                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                 │
│  Target TAT: 25 min  │  Current: 18 min elapsed  │  On Track ✓ │
│                                                                 │
│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐   │
│  │ ON_BLOCKS      ✓ 14:00   │ Target: 14:00  │ On Time    │   │
│  │ DOORS_OPEN     ✓ 14:02   │ Target: 14:02  │ On Time    │   │
│  │ DEPLANE_DONE   ✓ 14:10   │ Target: 14:10  │ On Time    │   │
│  │ CLEAN_DONE     ✓ 14:18   │ Target: 14:18  │ On Time    │   │
│  │ BOARD_START    ● 14:18   │ Target: 14:18  │ In Progress│   │
│  │ BOARD_DONE     ○ --:--   │ Target: 14:23  │ Pending    │   │
│  │ OFF_BLOCKS     ○ --:--   │ Target: 14:25  │ Pending    │   │
│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘   │
│                                                                 │
│  Alerts: None                                                   │
│                                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Integration Points

System	Direction	Data
DCS	Inbound	Passenger count, bags
OCC	Bidirectional	Flight status, delays
Fuel Provider	Outbound	Fuel orders
Ground Handler	Bidirectional	Service status
Airport	Bidirectional	Gate/stand info
Mobile App	Bidirectional	Crew coordination

Performance Metrics

Turnaround KPIs

Metric	Target	Alert Threshold
Average TAT	25-30 min	>30 min
TAT compliance	>95%	<90%
On-time departure (D0)	>85%	<80%
Milestone adherence	>95%	<90%

Operational KPIs

Metric	Target
Aircraft utilization	>12 hours/day
Flights per aircraft/day	8-10
Block hour ratio	Maximize

Partnerships & Economics

Fee Structure

Negotiate volume-based landing fees at hub (CCS)
Bulk handling agreements at spoke stations
Performance-linked ground handler contracts

Passenger Experience

Implementation of dedicated "Fast-Track" security lanes at hub
Priority boarding for loyalty members
Streamlined boarding process

Ground Handler Management

SLA Requirements for 25-min Turn

Service	Max Time	Penalty
Deplaning support	10 min	Per minute delay
Cabin cleaning	10 min	Per minute delay
Baggage handling	12 min	Per minute delay
Overall TAT	30 min	Escalating penalties

Preferred Handling Model

Self-handling at CCS hub (maximum control)
Contracted handlers at spokes with strict SLAs
Real-time performance monitoring
Weekly performance reviews

Technology Stack

Required Components

Turnaround management app (real-time milestone tracking)
Mobile devices for all ground crew
Digital load sheet (paperless)
Automated alerts for milestone delays
Integration hub for all ground systems

Paperless Operations

Electronic flight folder
Digital fuel receipts
Mobile cleaning sign-off
Electronic load sheet
No paper handoffs between teams