Concept of an integrated apron controller working position implemented and tested in field trials

In general, current apron controller working positions comprise a variety of loosely coupled information and support systems lacking a consistent HMI layout and information management. Within the project `Airport 2030' the approach was taken, to integrate as much information and functionalities as possible into one system and optimize information representation and controller interaction. Based on a task analyses an operational concept has been prepared providing the ground for the development and the implementation of an integrated apron controller working position (ACWP) prototype. A field test campaign was carried out focusing on the assessment of the usability of the integrated ACWP as well as its operational feasibility within a human-in-the-loop experimental design. Five apron controllers of Hamburg airport tested the integrated ACWP in shadow mode trials. The data analysis revealed a positive bias towards the hypothesis, that the concept of the integrated ACWP was widely accepted by the apron controllers. However, the hypothesis concerning the operational feasibility of the integrated ACWP did not show a clear positive trend but indicated a promising approach for future design of controller working positions.