USE OF AN ANALYTICAL QUEUING MODEL FOR AIRPORT TERMINAL DESIGN

This paper is an examination of the application of a computer-based model to the airport terminal design process. It includes a discussion of the inherent features of the modeling process as a framework for assessing terminal design alternatives. The paper examines the methodology used by the model and assesses the research needs for improving the model's capabilities to predict terminal performance. A review of an analytical network queuing model that has been developed for analyzing the performance of airport terminal systems for capacity and delay is undertaken. This includes a presentation of the theoretical modeling equations, the mechanism for representing the structure of the passenger processing network, and various measures available within the model for estimating the service quality associated with the terminal design. A simple application of the model to a terminal design that highlights the model's features for its use in evaluating and assessing the terminal design performance is included. The model is critically assessed relative to its capability to present a realistic assessment of the performance of the terminal system. Recommendations are made relative to the types of research and development that might be undertaken to enhance the capability of models to predict terminal performance in the design process to influence and enhance decision making.