What is one of the first steps in preparing for an aircraft arrival?

Ensuring the arrival gate is ready and clear is a crucial first step in preparing for an aircraft arrival. This process involves confirming that the designated gate is unoccupied and that there are no obstructions preventing the aircraft from safely taxiing to the gate. Proper gate readiness is essential for a smooth transition from the air to ground operations, ensuring that passengers can disembark efficiently and that ground support personnel can access the aircraft safely. This step lays the foundation for all subsequent actions associated with the aircraft's arrival, such as loading and unloading baggage, passenger processing, and fueling. It is vital to make certain that the area is prepared ahead of time to avoid delays and potential safety hazards. While other tasks like loading bags, refueling, or conducting safety checks are important, they usually follow the confirmation that the arrival gate is clear, underscoring the importance of this initial step.