There are several processes within an airport terminal that are key for an airport’s efficiency and profitability.  A minimal change in the terminal layout or process efficiency can rapidly impact other areas. When it comes to making changes or improvements in terminal processes, infrastructure or layout a detailed assessment should be conducted.  Such an assessment provides an understanding of the key throughput constraints (as well as identifying potential negative consequences of change) and can address how they can be resolved in the most efficient, cost effective and innovative way.

At Think Research, we have gained a range of experience in conducting terminal simulations from the large (e.g. assessing a multi-terminal international airport in the midst of a security area redesign) through to small regional airports with relatively simple, but highly interdependent processes.

We believe that a good understanding of terminal processes and how they interact is vital in the assessment of changes whether for capacity purposes, for resilience or to provide input to business cases.  Therefore, we use a range of tools from bespoke models through to 3D Fast Time Simulation (FTS) software, typically ArcPORT (developed by Transoft Solutions), that allows us to analyse the entire terminal as one or isolated processes.  Our experts can examine your airports specific requirements and decide which approach is optimal in order to achieve your objectives. We do not just apply a single tool or technique to all problems.  After investigating where the constraints can be, we aim for solutions that positively impact passenger experience and airport budgets.

Check out our presentation below to find out more about our terminal modelling expertise and to particularly to explore some of the work we have conducted using ArcPORT: