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A hard stand at an airport is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights. It is separate from the terminal, and passengers are transported to and from the aircraft by shuttle bus. Hard stands are used to increase the capacity of traffic movement, especially at busy international airports. They are also beneficial for fast turnarounds, as aircraft can be boarded and exited more quickly, and they do not need to be pushed back from the gate with a tug.
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What You'll Learn
- Hardstand parking is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights
- Passengers board or depart the aircraft via shuttle bus or by walking
- Hardstands are used to increase the capacity of traffic movement at busy international airports
- Aircraft parked on a hardstand do not interfere with the daily movement operation at an airfield
- Hardstand gates are more convenient than jetways, with quicker deplaning and boarding
Hardstand parking is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights
The pavement of a hardstand is reinforced to withstand the weight of heavy vehicles like airplanes, tanks, and large trucks. The material used is usually heavy-duty concrete, thicker and more durable than that of typical car parking lots. This concrete can handle the weight of aircraft for extended periods.
Hardstand parking offers several advantages. Firstly, it increases the capacity of traffic movement, especially at busy international airports where time is critical. Secondly, it provides flexibility in aircraft movements without interfering with the daily operations of the airport. Aircraft on hardstands can be towed onto or from their positions without disrupting other activities. Additionally, hardstand parking eliminates the need for pushback tugs, as aircraft can depart under their own power.
Some passengers may prefer hardstand parking as it often allows for quicker deplaning and boarding through front and rear aircraft doors. However, others may find it less convenient, especially those with mobility issues, as it may involve longer walks or shuttle bus rides to and from the terminal.
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Passengers board or depart the aircraft via shuttle bus or by walking
Hardstand parking is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights. At some airports, passengers board or depart the aircraft by walking to or from the plane or by shuttle bus. This is often the case at smaller airports that don't have jetbridges. When passengers walk, they may use mobile boarding stairs or airstairs to enter or exit the aircraft.
Walking to and from the terminal is routine at many airports, especially those in developing countries. However, at busy times, or when there is not enough gate space, passengers may be transported to and from the plane by a shuttle bus. This can also be the case when the plane is too small for a jetbridge. Ride times can sometimes take as long as 15 minutes.
Smaller airliners often have their own foldaway stairs, which makes the boarding or disembarking process quicker as there is no need to wait for mobile stairs to arrive. However, some sources note that walking on the ramp can be unsafe for passengers due to vehicle traffic, moving aircraft, prop wash, jet blast, and temperature and weather extremes. Passenger boarding bridges help to mitigate these risks.
The boarding process for aircraft typically begins anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before departure. Airlines control access to the aircraft by checking passengers' boarding passes and matching them with the list of passengers and their identification cards. Many airlines use the IATA standard Bar Coded Boarding Passes (BCBP) to automate this process.
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Hardstands are used to increase the capacity of traffic movement at busy international airports
A hardstand is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights. It is separate from the terminal, and passengers are transported to and from the plane by shuttle bus. Hardstands are typically made of heavy-duty concrete pavers capable of handling the weight of aircraft for prolonged periods.
In addition, hardstands offer several other advantages. Firstly, they can speed up the boarding and deplaning process, as both the front and rear aircraft doors can be used. This is especially beneficial for low-cost airlines, which prioritise quick turnarounds. Secondly, hardstands eliminate the need for pushback tugs, as aircraft can depart under their own power. This can save time and reduce costs for the airline.
However, it is important to note that hardstands may not always be the most convenient option for passengers, particularly those with mobility issues. The shuttle bus ride between the terminal and the hardstand can sometimes be lengthy, and passengers may be exposed to adverse weather conditions during the journey. Nevertheless, at busy international airports, hardstands play a crucial role in enhancing traffic capacity and facilitating the smooth movement of aircraft and passengers.
Overall, hardstands are an essential component of airport infrastructure, particularly at busy international hubs. By increasing traffic capacity and providing operational flexibility, hardstands help to optimise the efficiency of aircraft movements, contributing to the overall effectiveness of airport operations.
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Aircraft parked on a hardstand do not interfere with the daily movement operation at an airfield
A hardstand is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights. It is separate from the terminal, and passengers are transported to and from the aircraft by shuttle bus. This type of parking is commonly found at smaller airports that lack jetbridges. However, even larger airports with jetbridges utilise hardstands during busy times to accommodate the increased number of flights.
Hardstands are typically made of heavy-duty concrete pavers capable of handling the weight of aircraft for extended periods. They are designed to withstand the weight of not only airplanes but also other heavy vehicles such as tanks and large trucks. The use of hardstands is particularly beneficial at busy international airports, where they help increase the capacity of traffic movement.
When an aircraft is parked on a hardstand, it does not interfere with the daily movement operations at an airfield. This is because hardstands are positioned separately from the movement and manoeuvring areas of the airport. Aircraft on hardstands are only towed when they need to be moved to the maintenance area or a designated parking bay on the apron. This ensures that the movement of aircraft on hardstands does not disrupt the regular operations of the airport.
In contrast, aircraft parked on designated parking bays may face disruptions due to the constant movement of aircraft arriving and departing from the airport. This can impact the efficiency of airport operations and may even result in additional costs for airlines if they are required to frequently relocate their aircraft.
By utilising hardstands, airports can improve the overall efficiency of their operations and provide a more seamless experience for passengers and airlines alike. This is particularly advantageous for airlines that prioritise fast turnarounds, as the use of hardstands can expedite the deplaning and boarding process, reducing the time an aircraft spends on the ground.
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Hardstand gates are more convenient than jetways, with quicker deplaning and boarding
A hardstand is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights. It is separate from the terminal, and passengers must walk or be transported by shuttle bus to and from the aircraft. Smaller airlines often have their own foldaway stairs, which expedites the process as there is no need to wait for mobile stairs. Hardstand gates are advantageous as they offer quicker deplaning and boarding, with both the front and back aircraft doors open. This setup is also more cost-effective for airlines as they avoid expensive jetway rental fees.
Hardstand parking increases the capacity of traffic movement, especially at busy international airports. Aircraft parked on hardstands do not interfere with daily airfield operations, and they can be easily towed to maintenance areas when required. The use of hardstand gates also eliminates the need for a tug to push the aircraft back from the gate, allowing for a quicker departure under the aircraft's own power.
While jetways offer greater convenience and protection from the weather, hardstand gates provide faster turnarounds for airlines and passengers. The combination of jetbridges and rear airstairs is also being adopted by some airports to facilitate faster boarding and deboarding.
However, hardstand gates may pose challenges for passengers with disabilities. Some airports provide dedicated lift trucks or allow the use of catering trucks for wheelchair users, but this can still be a cumbersome process. Additionally, in certain cases, the bus ride to and from the hardstand location can be lengthy, negating the benefits of faster deplaning and boarding.
Overall, hardstand gates offer advantages in terms of convenience and speed for passengers and airlines, but they may not always be the preferred option due to considerations such as weather, passenger accessibility, and transportation logistics.
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Frequently asked questions
A hardstand is a paved surface where aircraft are parked between flights. It is separate from the terminal and does not have a jetbridge.
Hard stands increase the capacity of traffic movement, especially at busy international airports. They also allow aircraft to be towed for maintenance without interfering with the daily movement operation at an airfield.
Passengers either walk to or from the aircraft or are transported by shuttle bus to and from the terminal. Smaller airlines may have their own foldaway stairs, while larger airports may provide mobile stair trucks or ramps.
Hard stands can offer quicker deplaning and boarding for passengers (front and back aircraft doors can be used) and reduce overhead costs for the airline (jetway rent is expensive). Aircraft on hard stands also do not need to be pushed back from the gate with a tug and can depart under their own power.
Hard stands may not be as accessible for passengers with wheelchairs or those with large carry-on bags. In some cases, the bus ride to and from the terminal can be lengthy.
