Each project follows a structured process designed to ensure aircraft stand layouts are safe, practical, and compatible with real-world airport operations.
While every airport environment presents unique constraints, the workflow below reflects the typical process used to develop and validate apron planning solutions.
Phase 1 — Project Assessment
Each project begins with a detailed review of the operational and infrastructure conditions affecting the airport environment.
This stage focuses on understanding the project objectives and identifying factors that influence aircraft stand layout and apron operations.
Typical assessment considerations include:
• Aircraft type compatibility
• Existing apron layout and geometry
• Operational constraints and traffic flows
• Stand utilization patterns
• Airline servicing requirements
• Ground service equipment activity
Particular attention is given to operational risks, clearance constraints, and factors that may affect safe aircraft movement.
Understanding these conditions early ensures that the design process accounts for both infrastructure limitations and real-world operational needs.
Phase 2 — Concept Development & Simulation
Based on the initial assessment, conceptual aircraft stand layouts and parking strategies are developed and evaluated.
This phase focuses on identifying feasible aircraft parking configurations within the available apron space while maintaining required operational clearances.
Concepts are evaluated not only for feasibility, but also for safe operation within constrained apron environments.
Concept layouts are validated using aircraft movement simulations performed in AviPLAN, an industry-standard aircraft movement modelling platform used by airports and aviation engineering firms worldwide.
Simulation modelling allows aircraft maneuvering paths, pushback procedures, and clearance envelopes to be evaluated before implementation.
Typical concept and simulation work may include:
• Aircraft stand relocation concepts
• New aircraft stand layouts
• Apron capacity optimization strategies
• Parking solutions for large aircraft
• Temporary parking strategies during operational disruptions
• Pushback maneuver development and validation
• Aircraft taxi path compatibility analysis
• Wingtip clearance verification
• Stand adjacency assessments
• Compatibility reviews for new aircraft types
Multiple layout options may be explored and refined through simulation until a practical solution is identified.
Phase 3 — Design Development
Following simulation validation, the selected concept is developed into detailed apron design drawings.
Design refinement ensures that layouts are both technically accurate and operationally usable.
CAD work is produced using MicroStation, widely used for airport infrastructure and transportation design, and AviPLAN.
Design development may include:
• Aircraft stand centerline layout
• Stand geometry definition
• Aircraft clearance envelope verification
• Apron ground marking layouts
• Servicing area definition
• Construction phasing diagrams
These drawings allow proposed aircraft stand layouts to be reviewed, coordinated with stakeholders, and prepared for implementation within existing airport infrastructure.
Phase 4 — Operational Review
Layouts are reviewed to confirm they function safely and efficiently within day-to-day airport operations.
This review evaluates how the proposed design interacts with aircraft servicing operations, apron vehicle movements, and ground handling procedures.
Operational considerations may include:
• Aircraft servicing access
• Ground service equipment circulation
• Apron traffic flows
• Aircraft turnaround procedures
• Maintenance access requirements
CDSMI’s operational experience within active airport environments helps ensure that apron planning solutions function effectively within real-world operational conditions.
Phase 5 — Implementation Support
Where required, CDSMI can help support the implementation of aircraft stand changes and apron modifications ensuring layouts are implemented accurately and remain aligned with operational and safety requirements..
Previous operational work has included coordinating directly on the apron during stand reconfiguration projects and leading airside paint teams responsible for removing and installing aircraft stand markings while maintaining safe airport operations.
This type of coordination helps ensure that aircraft stand layouts are implemented accurately and remain compatible with operational requirements.
Previous operational work has included the use of GNSS-based tools to verify aircraft stand positioning during apron marking activities.
Flexible Project Scope
Airport environments are complex and continuously evolving. CDSMI’s workflow can be adapted depending on the scope of a project, whether supporting a single aircraft stand modification or developing large-scale aircraft parking strategies during major operational disruptions.
Each project is approached with the goal of developing practical, simulation-validated apron planning solutions that balance operational efficiency, safety requirements, and airport infrastructure constraints.
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