Imagine an air traffic controller needing to quickly identify an airport in northern Argentina. Relying solely on the airport’s name might not be efficient. Instead, a four-letter code—such as SANT—can pinpoint the location with precision. This is the power of ICAO codes. But what exactly does the ICAO code for Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport reveal, and what other critical data points define this aviation hub?
The ICAO Code: SANT
The ICAO code for Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport is SANT . Assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), these four-letter codes serve as unique identifiers for airports worldwide, primarily used in air traffic control, flight planning, and meteorological services. Unlike IATA codes—commonly seen on boarding passes and luggage tags—ICAO codes cater to the technical demands of aviation operations.
Key Airport Data
Beyond its ICAO designation, several data points are essential for understanding the airport’s operational profile:
- IATA Code: TUC – The passenger-facing code used for ticketing and baggage handling.
- Full Name: Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport – Named after an Argentine military figure, reflecting its national significance.
- Location: Argentina – Situated in the country’s northwest, within the Tucumán Province.
- Elevation: 1,495 feet (456 meters) – Higher altitudes affect aircraft performance due to reduced air density, requiring longer runways for takeoff.
- Geographic Coordinates: 26° 50' 27.24" S, 65° 6' 17.63" W – Critical for navigation systems and flight path accuracy.
Why ICAO Codes Matter
ICAO codes are indispensable in aviation for multiple reasons:
- Flight Plans: Pilots use ICAO codes to specify departure and arrival airports, ensuring clear communication with air traffic control.
- Air Traffic Management: Controllers rely on these codes to monitor and direct aircraft, maintaining safe spacing in busy airspace.
- Weather Services: Meteorologists provide localized forecasts using ICAO codes, aiding pilots in pre-flight decisions.
- Aviation Databases: These codes anchor global databases that store information on airports, routes, and navigational aids.
Analytical Insights: Decoding the Data
From a data analyst’s perspective, the numbers behind SANT reveal deeper insights:
- Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking runway length, passenger volume, or elevation against similar airports highlights operational strengths or constraints.
- Trend Analysis: Historical flight and passenger data can uncover growth patterns or seasonal fluctuations.
- Economic Impact: The airport’s geographic position and connectivity may correlate with regional economic activity.
- Capacity Planning: Assessing current airspace usage against projected demand helps evaluate infrastructure needs.
The ICAO code SANT is more than an identifier—it’s a gateway to understanding the airport’s role in global aviation networks. By dissecting its data, analysts and aviation professionals alike gain tools to optimize safety, efficiency, and strategic planning.