http://www.itp.net/business/features/details.php?id=2983&category=
Monday, 1 August, 2005 Model airports by Neil Denslow <airport planners are increasingly using digital models to simulate the airport environment. This then allows them to try out possible scenarios in a virtual world before they are implemented for real, which is both quicker and cheaper to do. "A simulation provides a very safe and cost effective way of doing what-ifs," explains Cameron Baillie, business development manager, Preston Aviation Solutions. "Different ideas can be tested and the best one can then be put into place for real, which will save you a lot of operational costs in the long run."> <Preston is also using simulations to assess the effect that the introduction of the A380 will have on airport operations. The launch of these massive superjumbos will impact on all areas of the airport, from the car parks and check-in desks all the way to the runway. "Airport operators need to look at the issue of wake turbulence from A380s, for instance, as when larger aircraft takes off smaller planes need to wait for longer [for the air to settle]," says Baillie. "This could well have an impact on runway utilisation rates," he warns.>
