In June 2026, the development of Stands & Gates was completed. The platform replaces the previous SmartStand system and is designed to support and optimise the work of the Airport Operational Coordination team in managing aircraft stands and boarding gates.
The new system was developed from scratch by Milan Bergamo Airport’s Flight Operations IT Support Unit and Operations Directorate, with the involvement of the Operational Innovation, Process Engineering and Operational Coordination teams. The project was initially explored through a master’s thesis in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, helping to build in-house expertise and knowledge in the field. Building on this foundation, the system was subsequently developed and implemented in partnership with Sorint.tek.
From a technical perspective, Stands & Gates is an Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) based on advanced mathematical optimisation techniques, which are increasingly recognised as key components of modern intelligent decision-support systems. The platform is integrated with the airport’s AODB (Airport Operational Database), specifically its SMART/STAND and SMART/Resources-gate modules. This integration enables the system to retrieve the flight data it needs and send its proposed allocations back to the AODB.
The system has been configured around the airport’s operational rules and specific requirements. These rules were defined through consultation with the Airport Operational Coordination team, whose experience played a fundamental role in translating operational knowledge and practical needs into structured decision-making criteria.
The involvement of ground handlers and airlines also made it possible to incorporate specific operational requirements into the model, ensuring a solution aligned with the needs of the stakeholders involved.
The model is integrated into a new Human-Machine Interface (HMI), designed to make the allocation process more efficient and intuitive. Its development was supported by ongoing consultation with the Airport Operational Coordination team to ensure the interface reflects the needs of its users.
The application works with both scheduled flight data and real-time information received from the airport database. Operating 24 hours a day, it continuously searches for optimal solutions, supporting operators with visual and text-based alerts and quick-action features that help streamline workflows and make daily operations more agile.
Despite introducing a high degree of automation, the system follows a Human-in-the-Loop approach, ensuring that the operator retains responsibility for the final decision. This approach recognises the value of the Airport Operational Coordination team, whose members combine the model’s recommendations with contextual information and practical knowledge gained through on-the-ground experience.