a computer implemented method for an aviation system to manage , consistent with specified system business goals , the temporal assignment of airport gates for use by a plurality of aircraft which are to - be - serviced by specified ground resources , including ground personnel , equipment and supplies , so as to deliver and receive specified passengers , their baggage and cargo during a specified time period , based upon specified data pertaining to the aircraft , passengers and ground resources , includes the steps of : collecting and storing the specified data , processing the data to predict the trajectories of the aircraft , wherein these trajectories including the expected gate arrival time , required ground servicing period and projected departure time of each of the aircraft , processing the data to predict the loads imposed on the ground resources and gates associated with the movement of the passengers , equipment and supplies in relation to the arrival and departure of the aircraft , processing the data , trajectories and loads to identify the various possible ways to distribute the ground system resources and assign the gates so as to meet the time constraints of the predicted trajectories and loads , and assigning to each of the plurality of aircraft a gate for use for a prescribed period , with these assignments being made in such a manner as to allow the aviation system to optimally meet its business goals .