The Art of the Turnaround
Airplanes are expensive to operate, and they don't make money when they're parked at the gate! That's why airlines execute quick turnarounds — the time between when a plane arrives at a gate with one group of passengers and then leaves with another. At Toronto Pearson, every turnaround is precisely coordinated among teams — from baggage crews to cleaners — to maintain, clean and restock the aircraft as safely and efficiently as possible. The average turnaround time is 58 minutes, says Ground Handling Programs Manager Fabbio Mifsud, who gave us a general rundown of how they work. Start the clock!
Welcome to your destination!
When the aircraft parks at the gate, chocks are wedged behind its wheels, and passengers begin rushing off. Down on the ramp, a ground crew member clicks a thick cable from the airport's electrical system into the plane's belly to power it without using its engine. A large hose is also connected to supply pre-conditioned cold or hot air to the plane, depending on the temperature.
Safety inspection
The pilot who has just landed, or a mechanic, walks around the exterior of the plane to visually inspect it for any problems, such as worn tires. Any needed maintenance or repairs are undertaken. The next pilot does a pre-flight walk around, too.
Luggage removal
Depending on the type of plane and baggage compartment, ground handlers zip in with either a long conveyer belt to extract individual bags or a vehicle with a raisable platform, called a cargo loader, to remove big containers holding freight (including bags). Luggage and containers are placed on carts and driven to the baggage handling area to be reunited with their owners or placed on connecting flights.
Cleanup time
A water service truck uses a hose to refill the plane's water tanks, while a lavatory service truck connects a vacuum hose to the back belly of the aircraft and sucks the waste tanks clean. Workers from one of three licensed cleaning companies at Toronto Pearson board the plane to collect trash, adjust seats, and clean tray tables. Blankets, pillows, and in-flight magazines are restocked on longer flights. Planes remaining overnight undergo a deep clean.
Restocking the food and drinks
A truck from one of Pearson's four licensed catering companies swings in to switch out the used meal trolleys with fully stocked ones in the plane's galleys. Generally, flights longer than three hours offer hot meals.
Fuel-up time
A refueling truck pulls up to fill the wings' fuel tanks. The amount of fuel pumped in is based on factors including the final weight of the plane, flight duration, the weather, and the cost of fuel at the destination.
Welcoming new passengers
As new passengers board and begin taking their seats, the ground crew loads checked luggage and other cargo into the baggage compartment, making strategic placement decisions based on cargo weight and the plane's balance.
Button up
With the plane loaded, the ramp team “buttons up” the aircraft, ensuring the exterior power and ventilation supplies are disconnected, access points are shut, and no FOD (foreign object debris) is on the ground near the plane. Once the flight crew has completed their checks, the pilot receives permission from Air Traffic Services to leave the gate.
All clear!
A vehicle called a pushback tug helps move the plane into a taxi position, assisted by ground handlers with wands who walk alongside both wings and the tail to ensure the path is clear. Once the pushback is complete, the tug's towbar is disconnected, and the marshaller uses his wands to salute the pilot. This plane is ready to fly!
