Integrated Ramp Services Los Angeles International Airport

A major component of the $5 billion LAX modernization program is the construction and expansion of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). The new Bradley West Terminal will have 21 aircraft stands and associated works completed in 2014, with gates capable of fully servicing the new generation aircraft, including the A380, B747-800, B787, B777 and A350. An important component of the New TBIT involves the provision of an integrated ramp services system including 400Hz Fixed Ground Power, Pre-Conditioned Air, Potable Water, Visual Guidance Docking Systems, Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB), and Rapid Recharging Station at each stand. An integrated ramp services approach has been introduced to provide this critical airside component of the new terminal with effective facilities and auxiliary infrastructure to facilitate gate stand operations in an efficient and safe manner. In addition, the new gate stands are designed with full flexibility to service a wide range of aircraft mix (i.e. from Group VI to Group III) to support the introduction of the new generation aircraft and the ability to adapt to dynamic changes in the aviation/airline industry.

A well-designed and properly equipped aircraft gate stand provides airport operators with increased revenues and cost savings as a result of the well-developed selection and application of current technologies and systems. It represents the sophisticated and critical link between the modern terminal building and effective aircraft support services at the gates, helping to facilitate passenger, baggage, and cargo movement. It also allows airlines to achieve required turnaround through effective, timely aircraft ground servicing and airside handling of passengers, baggage, and cargo in a safe, functional, and secure airport environment. Key components of the integrated ramp services include: 

• Passenger Boarding Bridges
• Auxiliary ramp services equipment (400hz FGP, PCA, Potable Water)
• Aircraft visual docking guidance system
• Rapid Recharging Station for electric GSE

 The ramp services equipment and PBBs have remote monitoring capability and are integrated with an electronic stand management system to be able to:

• Monitor and manage the provision and status of key ramp services equipment at each gate
• Plan and monitor gate assignment
• Collect data on actual usage/consumption
• Link with maintenance and facilities management system

As Lead Airside Engineers, HMM analyzed and reviewed various systems, life-cycle costs, design and specifications of the selected systems, and provided construction supervision and commissioning. HMM also provided information on installation of the systems'--including equipment--interface with the terminal building/services, and their impact on ramp configurations along with schematic layouts of the associated equipment.

Project Highlights:

• Optimum utilization and maximum flexibility
• Efficient and safe aircraft gate stand operations
• Integrated gate stand design
• Standardized gate stand configuration
• Provisioning of ramp services equipment
• IT interface
• Staged completion
• Reliability and flexibility