[Other] - Two-Stage Aircraft Handling

Feature requests Gameplay
1

:bullseye: What is your suggestion?
I suggest adding two-stage handling for arriving aircraft:

  1. Arrival and unloading – unloading passengers and baggage, basic service.

  2. Boarding and departure – later, when the player decides, boarding starts and the aircraft departs.

This is especially relevant for home-base airlines of the airport. For example:

  • In BKK, airlines like Qatar, Emirates, or Korean Air operate turnaround flights (BKK–DOH–BKK, BKK–ICN–BKK) with short ground times.

  • For Thai Airways in BKK, the airport is a hub. In reality, an aircraft can arrive in the morning from Istanbul, and the next flight to Tokyo may only be in the evening, meaning it stands on the ground for several hours before departure.

In the game, this is currently not implemented: aircraft always fly back and forth on the same route without flexible ground time. Two-stage handling would make the game more realistic for hub airlines.

:hammer_and_wrench: How would it work in the game?

  • For example, a mechanic similar to the existing “Ramp Agent” button could be used when the aircraft arrives to indicate the start of the first handling stage, or it could be tied to purchasing the contract.

  • The player first completes only the arrival/unloading stage.

  • The aircraft then remains on the stand until the player decides to start the boarding/departure stage.

  • The waiting time can be free choice (player decides when to depart) or have a longer set timer.

:balance_scale: Why is this a good idea?

  • Large airports will look more alive and filled.

- Adds flexibility in aircraft handling for the player.

- Variety:

  • 1. some aircraft are unloading,
  • 2. some are standing and waiting,
  • 3. some are boarding and ready to depart.

- Realism is achieved without completely changing the gameplay.

:camera_with_flash: Optional: Image or reference

2

This is such a good idea, especially should be helpful for the scheduling system and preparing for in-airport dragging/gate change. Base airlines and personal aircraft can have different behavior then visitor airlines and aircrafts, which can create so much fun and open for a lot of possibilities, even like changing airplane for the same flight (mini game).

8 Likes
3

Yes I agree.
I’ve once mentioned this to the devs, hopefully this can be implemented in the scheduling system!
This could also help with keeping airports fuller and busier

3 Likes
4

To expand on this idea, this also seems like the perfect opportunity to introduce towing as a new feature.

Once the arrival is completed, you get the option to either proceed directly with the departure or tow your aircraft to a remote stand (where no handling is allowed). There, the aircraft could, for example, undergo maintenance (which could also be expanded with different types of maintenance, each requiring different amounts of time).

Once that is completed, you can again choose to tow it to a terminal and perform the departure handling there.

5 Likes
5

Good one. Loved this system!!

6

To expand on THIS idea even more, what if “PAX Comfort” factored into the amount you get per plane? E.g. sure you could handle PAX from the remote stand without a second stage, but it “costs” you in some way

3 Likes