AviPLAN for efficient airport operations: An Interview with Narita International Airport
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To learn about specific examples of how AviPLAN is being utilized at Narita International Airport, Transoft Solutions spoke with Mr. Hiroshi Yamamoto, Manager of the Safety Promotion Department, Airport Operations Division; Ms. Mitsuho Terada, then member of the Technical Planning Group (also concurrently serving in the Safety Promotion Group) of the same department; and Ms. Natsue Okada, CAD Operator,
Aiming to Become a World-Class Airport
— Could you tell us about Narita International Airport Corporation?
As its designated operator, Narita International Airport Corporation is responsible for the construction, management, and operation of Narita International Airport.
Since opening in 1978, Narita International Airport has served as Tokyo’s gateway to the skies. As of October 2024, the airport connects 120 destinations: 102 international and 18 domestic cities. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 40.77 million passengers used the airport, the first time in five years that passenger traffic exceeded 40 million, the fourth highest in our history.
As an international hub airport, Narita plays a key role in the global aviation network and strives to become one of the world’s leading airports.
However, the airport’s current layout still reflects planning concepts from over 50 years ago and doesn’t fully meet the evolving needs of modern international aviation. In July 2024, NAA announced “The New Narita Airport Concept Version 2.0,” which outlines our future vision, including redeveloping passenger terminals, enhancing air cargo logistics capabilities, improving airport access, and developing the airport in tandem with surrounding regions.
Image provided by Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA)
— NAA has been using Transoft Solutions’ AviPLAN since 2015. Could you share some specific examples of how it is being utilized?
When an airline changes its aircraft type or a new airline begins operations, we use AviPLAN to simulate aircraft maneuvers and verify whether we can maintain sufficient clearance for aircraft types not previously approved for the assigned stand.
Although we design our airport layout according to standard specifications, AviPLAN lets us verify clearances for aircraft taxiing on taxiways and check clearances during pushback operations based on each aircraft’s specific characteristics.
The simulations usually confirm that no issues exist. However, performing these verifications ensures safety and confirms operations are problem-free, which in turn supports our decision-making on operational procedures.
Verifying Jet Blast Impact on Construction Areas
We use AviPLAN to assess aircraft clearances and jet blast impacts when contractors apply to conduct construction or maintenance within aprons and taxiways.
When a project requires closing a section of the apron or taxiway, we predefine the work area, but the most critical factor we check is the clearance from operating aircraft. We simulate and verify these clearances using AviPLAN. If results show insufficient space, we adjust the work zone boundaries. Once verification is obtained that there is no impact and operations are safe, we report our findings to the construction management department to proceed with project coordination.
When determining work areas, we ensure sufficient clearance, such as maintaining a certain distance from aircraft wingtips, and evaluate potential jet blast effects. Even if the clearance distance meets requirements, any area affected by jet blast cannot be used for work. In cases where essential work areas are exposed to blast influence, construction is scheduled for nighttime hours instead.
At NAA, no aircraft take-offs or landings occur between midnight and 6:00 AM, so work is planned during that period when necessary. However, daytime work is generally more efficient and cost-effective. Therefore, by using AviPLAN, we can plan operations intelligently, designating certain zones for daytime work where possible and restricting night work to areas affected by aircraft operations.
Verifying Accessibility for Large Vehicles During the Construction of the New Cargo Building No. 8 Parking and Road Areas
During the construction of Cargo Building No. 8, which began export operations on October 21, 2024, and import operations on November 1, we used AviPLAN to verify vehicle circulation paths within the parking area.
Because the project consolidated multiple dispersed cargo warehouses into a single, highly efficient facility equipped with the latest technologies, it was essential to confirm smooth traffic flow and turning movements of large vehicles within the site. While the architectural design drawings were prepared by a design firm, NAA used AviPLAN to verify details such as whether trucks could turn properly and whether operations could be carried out safely and efficiently.
Since Cargo Building No. 8 strengthens Narita Airport’s position as Asia’s gateway and enhances the international competitiveness of Japan’s import and export logistics, we considered these verifications as the airport operator indispensable.
AviPLAN is Essential for Maintaining Airport Operations
— Could you tell us about the benefits and impact of implementing AviPLAN at NAA?
When an accident occurs, part of the airfield sometimes becomes temporarily unavailable. In such situations, we can use AviPLAN to simulate and verify alternative taxi routes that allow aircraft to continue accessing the runway. Maintaining airport operations during disruptions requires rapid and accurate decision-making, and AviPLAN is indispensable for that purpose.
While we can outsource clearance verifications during normal operations, performing such analyses in-house during operational disruptions is extremely important. This capability enables the airport to sustain its operational functions under unexpected circumstances.
Ensuring safety in day-to-day operations is equally vital. For example, when a pilot raises a concern such as, “The aircraft next to us looks very close; are we safe?” We visualize and verify the scenario using AviPLAN. The analysis often confirms that while the aircraft may appear close, the clearance values meet safety standards, allowing us to respond with confidence.
In this way, AviPLAN is essential both for routine safety verification and for maintaining airport operations . Because it is a system specifically designed for airport applications, it offers exceptional value to professionals involved in airport management and operations.
Image provided by Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA)
— Is AviPLAN also being used by other departments?
Our department mainly focuses on operations, but the department responsible for planning new runways also uses AviPLAN during the planning and design stages.
Interview conducted in May 2025
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