Table 2.

Average time spent on the apron (% of a normal workday) by occupational group

Occupational group	Job description	Average time on the apron (%)
Baggage handlers*	Assigned to aircraft procedures on the apron such as baggage loading and unloading, both inside and outside the baggage compartment. This group is also assigned to push the aircraft to the taxiway using a push-back tractor.	76
Cleaning staff (aircraft cleaners)*	Assigned to aircraft cabin cleaning. This group goes into the aircraft from the apron with a diesel powered high loader, a lorry or from the gate.	62
Catering drivers,‡ fuel drivers,† inflight service drivers† and other catering and inflight service personnel†	Catering drivers are assigned to load and unload food and drinks to and from the aircraft. This group goes into the aircraft from the apron with a diesel powered high loader. Fuel drivers load and service the aircraft with fuel and handle de-icing. Inflight service drivers support the aircraft with inflight service.	62
Push-back†	Aircraft parking/towing	60
Marshals†	Direct the aircraft to the right gate	40
Cargo†	Loading and unloading cargo carried by aircrafts	25
Maintenance service personnel†	Maintain outdoor area (mow the grass, clear snow)	25
Traffic,† gate coordinators†	Assigned to ensure that all baggage/cargo/mail is placed correctly and to check the fuel to ensure correct weight distribution of the aircraft	20
Airside security (security guards on the airfield)*	Assigned to security service at the security restricted area and to patrol by vehicle on the apron, gates and along fence lines and buildings	14
Firefighters†	On the apron during fire drills	10

*Assessed by GPS measurements.

†Assessed by expert ratings (see text).

‡A combination of expert ratings, GPS measurements and average air pollution.

GPS, Global Positioning System.