Simulation of general aviation cargo platform reconfiguration at a regional airport

Abstract

The aviation industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, particularly over the last decade, where a notable increase in cargo operations has been observed. This growth necessitates a comprehensive investigation to identify the existing operational and capacity-related challenges at regional airports. To address these concerns, technical and operational analyses were conducted to assess the requirements of cargo traffic and airport infrastructure. Consequently, several optimization proposals have been developed to enhance the flow of cargo aircraft operations, aiming to improve both the efficiency and functionality of the dedicated cargo area. These proposals are grounded in the regulatory framework governing aerodrome design in Mexico, enabling the logistical simulation of three potential reconfiguration strategies for the cargo platform. The simulation results indicate significant benefits, including an improvement in the quality of services provided by the cargo platform and terminal, expanded operational growth opportunities, and, ultimately, a positive impact on the regional economy and industrial logistics by facilitating air freight transportation.