Formost modern airports, the major design problem is scale – how toallow adequate space on the ground for maneuvering wide-body jetswhile permitting convenient and rapid movement of passengersdeparting, arriving or transferring from one flight to another.

    Mostdesigns for airport terminals take one of four approaches. In thelinear plan, the building may be straight or curved. The passengersboard aircraft parked next to the terminal. This plan works well forsmall airports that need to provide boarding areas for only a fewaircraft at a time.

    Inthe pier plan, narrow corridors or piers extend from a centralbuilding. This plan allows many aircraft to park next to thebuilding. However, it creates long walking distances for passengers.

   Inthe satellite plan, passengers board aircraft from small terminalsthat are separated from main terminals. Passengers reach thesatellites by way of shuttle trains or underground passageways thathave moving sidewalks.

    Thetransporter plan employs some system of transport to move passengersfrom the terminal building to the aircraft. If buses are used, thepassengers must climb a flight of stairs to board the aircraft. Ifmobile lounges are used, they can link up directly with the aircraftand protect passengers from the weather.