Imagine needing to airlift emergency medical supplies to Swansea, UK, with time being critical. How would you quickly locate accurate information about Swansea Airport? Airport codes serve as unique identifiers - the "passport numbers" of aviation - crucial for air transport and data management. This analysis examines Swansea Airport's codes (SWS/EGFH) from a data analyst's perspective while providing practical information to facilitate decision-making.
Swansea Airport Codes: Core Identifiers
Swansea Airport, located in the United Kingdom, operates within two primary coding systems:
- IATA Code (SWS): The three-letter designation assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), primarily used for passenger services including ticketing and baggage handling.
- ICAO Code (EGFH): The four-letter code designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), essential for flight operations, air traffic control, and flight planning.
Airport Information Overview
| Information | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Swansea Airport |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Elevation | 299 feet |
| Geographic Coordinates | 51° 36' 19.08" N, 4° 4' 4.19" W |
| IATA Code | SWS |
| ICAO Code | EGFH |
Practical Applications of Airport Codes
Understanding airport codes extends beyond memorization - their true value lies in operational applications:
- Flight Booking: IATA codes (SWS) dominate commercial platforms for ticket purchases and itinerary management.
- Flight Planning: Pilots and air traffic controllers rely on ICAO codes (EGFH) for navigation and airspace coordination.
- Aviation Analytics: Data professionals use these codes to analyze traffic patterns, delays, and route networks.
- Air Cargo Logistics: Freight tracking systems utilize codes to identify shipment origins and destinations.
- Database Management: Airport codes serve as primary keys linking to runway specifications, navigation aids, and facility data.
Geographic and Operational Significance
The airport's coordinates enable precise navigation for both digital mapping systems and aircraft instrumentation. Elevation data (299 feet) directly impacts aircraft performance calculations, particularly for weight-limited operations during takeoff and landing.
Swansea Airport's Operational Profile
As a regional facility, Swansea Airport primarily serves general aviation and limited commercial operations. While smaller than international hubs, it plays vital roles in:
- Emergency medical transport
- Regional air connectivity
- Private aviation services
The airport faces several operational challenges:
- Infrastructure constraints limiting large aircraft operations
- Financial pressures common to regional airports
- Airspace coordination requirements within busy flight corridors
Strategic Development Opportunities
Potential growth strategies for Swansea Airport include:
- Expanding general aviation services for private and corporate clients
- Developing aviation training programs
- Enhancing regional tourism and logistics partnerships
- Modernizing facilities to improve service quality
These codes form the foundation for efficient air transport operations, data analysis, and logistical planning. While regional airports like Swansea face distinct challenges, strategic development can enhance their role in both commercial and emergency aviation networks.