1.
1 Comprehensive Terminologies and Acronyms Relative to the Airport and Aviation
Industry
General Aviation Terms
1. ATC (Air Traffic Control) – A service that manages and directs aircraft to ensure safe and
orderly flight operations.
2. Runway – A designated strip of land used for takeoff and landing.
3. Taxiway – A path connecting runways with terminals, hangars, and other facilities.
4. Apron (Tarmac) – The area where aircraft are parked, refueled, loaded, and unloaded.
5. Terminal – A building where passengers check in, go through security, and board flights.
6. FBO (Fixed Base Operator) – A private company providing services such as fueling,
hangars, and maintenance at airports.
7. GSE (Ground Support Equipment) – Equipment used on the ground to service aircraft,
including baggage carts and fuel trucks.
8. Jet Bridge (Aerobridge, Jetway) – A movable bridge connecting the terminal to an
aircraft door.
9. Ramp – Another term for the apron where aircraft are serviced.
10. Slot – A scheduled time for an aircraft to take off or land.
Flight Operations and Navigation
11. IATA (International Air Transport Association) Code – A three-letter airport code used
by airlines (e.g., MNL for Ninoy Aquino International Airport).
12. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Code – A four-letter airport code used
for official aviation operations (e.g., RPLL for NAIA).
13. VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) – A radio navigation system for aircraft.
14. ILS (Instrument Landing System) – A system that helps aircraft land in low-visibility
conditions.
15. SID (Standard Instrument Departure) – A designated route for aircraft departing an
airport.
16. STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) – A designated route for aircraft arriving at an
airport.
17. ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) – A continuous broadcast of essential
airport information, such as weather and runway status.
18. NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) – A notice about changes or hazards affecting flight
operations.
19. VFR (Visual Flight Rules) – Flying based on visual references rather than instruments.
20. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) – Flying using navigation instruments rather than visual
references.
Safety and Security
21. AOC (Air Operator Certificate) – A certification required for airlines to operate.
22. ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) – Specialized firefighting units at airports.
23. BHS (Baggage Handling System) – The automated system for sorting and transporting
luggage.
24. PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) – A system that helps pilots maintain the
correct glide path when landing.
25. TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) – A system that warns pilots of potential mid-
air collisions.
26. ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) – A distress beacon activated during an aircraft
crash.
27. FDR (Flight Data Recorder) – Commonly known as the “black box,” it records flight data.
28. CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) – Records conversations and sounds in the cockpit.
29. AVSEC (Aviation Security) – Security measures to prevent unlawful interference with civil
aviation.
30. IDAC (Integrated Departure and Arrival Control) – A system for managing aircraft
movements in congested airports.
Aircraft and Airline Operations
31. MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight) – The heaviest weight at which an aircraft can safely
take off.
32. ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) –
Regulations for twin-engine aircraft flying long distances over water.
33. LCC (Low-Cost Carrier) – An airline that offers budget-friendly services with minimal
extras.
34. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) – Aircraft maintenance services.
35. Turnaround Time – The time required to service an aircraft between landing and its next
departure.
36. Hub-and-Spoke System – A network where airlines use major airports (hubs) as central
connection points for flights.
37. PAX (Passengers) – A shorthand term for passengers.
38. Cargo Hold – The section of an aircraft where baggage and freight are stored.
39. ULCC (Ultra Low-Cost Carrier) – An airline with even lower fares than traditional low-cost
carriers.
40. Cabotage Rights – The right of a foreign airline to operate domestic flights within a
country.
1.2 Local and International Agencies That Regulate Airport Operations
International Agencies
1. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
o A United Nations agency that establishes global aviation safety, security, and
operational standards.
o Develops policies for air navigation, airport management, and environmental
regulations.
2. IATA (International Air Transport Association)
o A trade association representing airlines worldwide.
o Works on safety, ticketing, airline standards, and global connectivity.
3. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration – USA)
o Regulates U.S. airspace, but its standards influence international aviation safety and
regulations.
o Oversees air traffic control, aircraft certification, and pilot licensing.
4. EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
o Sets aviation safety standards for the European Union.
o Manages aircraft certification and operational compliance.
5. ACI (Airports Council International)
o Represents global airports and promotes best practices in airport management,
safety, and customer service.
6. CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organization)
o Oversees air traffic management systems globally.
o Works with ICAO to improve air navigation efficiency and safety.
7. WBAT (World Bank Aviation Team)
o Provides funding and technical support for aviation infrastructure projects worldwide.
Local Agencies (Philippines)
1. CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)
o Regulates Philippine civil aviation, including pilot licensing, airport certification, and
safety inspections.
o Implements ICAO standards in the country.
2. MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority)
o Manages the operations of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
o Ensures efficient passenger flow, security, and airport services.
3. CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board)
o Regulates airline fares, routes, and economic aspects of air transportation.
o Issues permits for airlines to operate within and outside the Philippines.
4. DOTr (Department of Transportation)
o The main government body overseeing transportation policies, including aviation.
o Coordinates infrastructure projects like airport development.
5. PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services
Administration)
o Provides weather forecasts and aviation meteorology services.
o Supports safe flight planning through real-time weather data.
6. BI (Bureau of Immigration)
o Handles passenger immigration at airports.
o Implements border control and screening measures.
7. PPA (Philippine Ports Authority)
o While focused on maritime transportation, it sometimes collaborates with airport
authorities for logistics and cargo handling.
8. PNP-AVSEGROUP (Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group)
o Ensures airport security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement in Philippine airports.
9. Bureau of Customs (BOC)
o Manages import/export clearances for goods transported via air cargo.
10. Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ)
• Conducts health screenings for arriving and departing passengers.
• Enforces quarantine regulations to prevent disease outbreaks.
1.3 Components of an Airport
