The turnaround time (TAT) of an aircraft is ‘the time that passes from landing until take off for a new flight i.e the time between chocks on and chocks off.’ That time which the aircraft stays on the ground after landing, on completion of one flight, and when it departs on commencement of a new flight.
It is a well known fact that aircrafts do not make money for airlines or aircraft operators while they are parked on the ground, rather they incur expenses. Therefore, aircraft operators strife to minimise this time which their aircraft stays on the ground.
The following tasks or activities take place during turnaround time of an aircraft:
• Choking of aircraft after parking on the apron
• Disembarkation of passengers and crew
• Cabin cleaning
• Unloading of baggage, cargo, mail etc.
• Aircraft inspection
• Aircraft refueling
• Catering supplies
• Loading of baggage and cargo
• Embarkation of passengers
• Towing of aircraft for taxiing
These tasks, as coordinated by airport operators and performed by handling companies, fuel vendors, airline ground staff and other service providers, must be carried out efficiently.
Turnaround is one of the most important phases of aircraft operations for airport operators as well as aircraft operators. The resources of the airline and the airport involved must be efficiently mobilised to get the aircraft ready for its next flight in the shortest possible time.
The shorter the aircraft Turnaround time the lower the expenses incurred by aircraft operators and the lower the wear and tear or strain on airport facilities recorded by airport operators.
References
www.simpleflying.com
www.iata.org
