Stand
A designated aircraft parking position on the apron, identified by a number or alphanumeric code.
Full Definition
An aircraft stand (also called a gate in North American usage, though technically a gate refers to the terminal access point) is a specific, demarcated position on the apron where an aircraft is parked for loading, unloading, refuelling, or maintenance. Stands are numbered or coded for identification and appear on apron charts. They may be classified as contact stands (served by an airbridge or jetway) or remote stands (requiring passengers to use steps and buses). Editors should distinguish 'stand' from 'gate,' as the two terms refer to different physical areas depending on whether the document follows ICAO or North American conventions.
Usage
Usage note: In ICAO-aligned documents, prefer 'stand' over 'gate'. 'Gate' is acceptable in passenger-facing and North American contexts but should be used consistently and not interchangeably with 'stand' within the same operational document.
In Context
- "Flight BA212 is currently allocated to Stand 47 on the northern apron." — Apron Management System Report
- "The document incorrectly uses 'gate' and 'stand' interchangeably; editors should standardise to 'stand' throughout." — Editorial Review Feedback