Apron
Definition
The paved area at an airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, and boarded. Also called the ramp, it connects to taxiways and terminal gates.
Related Terms
Gate
A designated area in an airport terminal where passengers board or disembark an aircraft. Gates are numbered and typically feature a jetbridge for direct aircraft access.
Tarmac
A colloquial term for the paved surfaces of an airport, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. Originally referred to tarmacadam paving material.
Pushback
The procedure in which an aircraft is pushed backwards from its parking position at the gate by a specialized tug vehicle, since most aircraft cannot reverse under their own power.
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