Stand Planning
Stand Planning is a crucial airport operations role that involves managing and coordinating where aircraft park at an airport. Think of it like a complex parking lot management system, but for airplanes. Stand planners ensure that the right types of aircraft are assigned to appropriate parking spots (called stands or gates) while considering factors like aircraft size, airline schedules, passenger connections, and available facilities. This role is sometimes also called Gate Planning or Aircraft Parking Management. It's essential for keeping airport operations running smoothly and on schedule.
Examples in Resumes
Managed daily Stand Planning operations for 50+ aircraft movements at international airport
Optimized Stand Planning and Gate Assignment processes reducing aircraft delays by 25%
Led Stand Planning team during peak holiday season handling 200+ daily flights
Typical job title: "Stand Planners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Stand Planners
Professional Organizations
Online Networks
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple airlines request the same gate during peak hours?
Expected Answer: A senior stand planner should explain their decision-making process, including considering factors like aircraft size, passenger numbers, connection times, and airline agreements. They should also mention contingency planning and communication strategies with various stakeholders.
Q: Describe a time when you improved stand allocation efficiency at an airport.
Expected Answer: Should discuss implementing new processes or systems, measuring improvements, and how they managed change with different airport stakeholders.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when allocating stands to different aircraft types?
Expected Answer: Should mention aircraft size, passenger capacity, ground handling equipment requirements, walking distance for passengers, and any special requirements like power supply or air bridges.
Q: How do you handle disruptions to stand planning during bad weather?
Expected Answer: Should explain prioritization of flights, communication with airlines and ground handlers, and using alternative stands or remote positions when necessary.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What information do you need before assigning an aircraft to a stand?
Expected Answer: Should list basic requirements like aircraft type, arrival/departure times, airline, number of passengers, and any special handling requirements.
Q: How do you ensure effective communication between different airport teams during stand planning?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic communication tools and processes used to coordinate with ground handlers, airlines, and other airport operations staff.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of airport operations
- Familiarity with aircraft types and sizes
- Basic scheduling and planning skills
- Use of airport management systems
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient resource allocation
- Handle irregular operations
- Stakeholder communication
- Problem-solving during disruptions
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning and optimization
- Team leadership
- Process improvement
- Crisis management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic aircraft types and sizes
- Lack of experience with airport operations software
- Poor understanding of airline schedules and turnaround times
- Limited problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Succession Planning: Your Company's Future-Proof Strategy
Beyond Borders: Mastering the Art of a Global Onboarding Calendar
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
