FIGURE 2.6 TYPICAL HOLDROOM OF AN AIRPORT

Figure 2.6 Typical Holdroom of an airport (ACRP-25, 2010)

2.3 FACTORS DETERMINING THE LOAD FACTOR OF HOLDROOMS

The industry has not been able to agree on standards for space devoted to holdrooms at the gate because it has various affecting factors. The design load factor at each airport depends on various aspects of design, geography, economy, LoS, etc.

2.3.1 LoS

2.3.1.1 WHAT IS LoS?

When evaluating and determining the overall airport performance, it is crucial to have a balanced view of the system from the perspective of different airport stakeholders and users. Therefore, IATA 1and ACI2 have joined forces to provide an objective and unbiased analysis of the Level of Service (LoS) at airport terminal facilities. The joint assessment will determine the best possible solutions to optimize the LoS for the whole airport community. The IATA (International Air Transport Association) produced LOS definitions that most people use(ACRP-25, 2010):

1 IATA- International Air Transport Association is a trade association of world’s airlines founder in 1945. IATA supports airline activity and helps formulate industry policy and standards 2ACI-Airports Council International is the global trade representative of the world's airport authorities. Established in 1991, ACI represents airports' interests with governments and international organizations, develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports, and it provides information and training opportunities to raise the standards around the world.

L E VE L SE RVICE CRITE RIA A Excellent condition of free flow; no delays; an excellent level of comfort. B High condition of stable flow; very few delays; high level of comfort. C Good condition of stable flow; acceptable brief delays; good level of comfort. D Adequate condition of unstable flow; acceptable delays for short periods; an adequate level of comfort. E Inadequate condition of unstable flow; unacceptable delays; an inadequate level of comfort. F Unacceptable condition of cross flows; system breakdown and unacceptable delays; an unacceptable level of comfort.

Table 2.1 Level of Service Framework

The traffic demand at an airport is dynamic and is dependent upon schedule, flight sector, aircraft size, and local factors. This is why LoS plays a crucial role in determining the state of the terminal.

Table 2.2 IATA LOS Standards (ACRP-25, 2010)

2.3.1.2 HOWS DOES IT AFFECT?

The level of service of an airport is directly proportional to the comfort level provided to the passengers. The comfort level of the passengers depends on how stress-free they move around the airport and spend time and enjoy various commercial and non-commercial activities taking

place at the airports. LoS tells a lot about what kind of experience a passenger would have and how likely is the passenger to prefer the airport to use. The better the services the better the experience and the less likely are the passengers to spend their time at gate lounges, reducing the load factor of the waiting areas. This load factor can be reduced by 5-10% depending on the LoS.

2.3.2 DESIGN FACTORS

2.3.2.1 ENGAGEMENT FACILITIES (non-revenue generating) Over the world, designers have tried changing the concept of the airport from a transportation hub to a destination. Besides regular airport facilities, various stress-relieving areas have become a part of the designs. The airports are trying to generate spaces other than airport screening and security clearing to gain more and more attraction. Airports thus become more than a transportation hub.

For example, airports are coming up with garden spaces where the passengers can relieve themselves after the hassles and long check-in processes. Instead of spending their time in gate lounges, passengers would prefer spending their time in amongst nature. Mentioned below are some of the engagement activities offered at various airports throughout the world:

• PRAYER ROOMS: Prayer rooms are quite common at the airports. It gives a peaceful and quiet space for the passengers to relax and spend time in contemplation or prayer. • PET FACILITY: At LAX, trained therapy dogs (and their trusty handlers) stroll the departure levels of the airport to provide comfort to those waiting for flights — a sweet and sensible way to calm anxious travelers down. A similar facility is found across many airports to ease down passengers and make their day. • ART GALLERIES: Passengers traveling through Changi Airport can enjoy interactive installations and visual treats across its terminals. At Chhatrapati Shivaji, the passengers can enjoy and learn about many of the ancient wonders preserved within its walls. It’s a haven for India’s artistic history. • MARINE ECOLOGY: At Vancouver, two large tanks featuring eels, rockfish, anemones, jellyfish, and marine plants, gathered from Tofino and Howe Sound, are on display in the international terminal. The Jeddah airport now houses the world’s biggest airport aquarium with about 2,000 rare types of fish swimming around. It stands at 14 meters tall, with a diameter of 10 meters.