Originally Posted by
Little One
If an Apron office is usually the IATA code depending on what systems they are using. This is used for the VGDS (Visual docking guidance system) and stand allocations. Obviously its important to check that the correct aircraft type information is displayed in the VGDS if available before entering the stand as the clearances may be different especially between variants.
Yes, IATA designators differentiate between passenger/combi/cargo aircraft, whereas ICAO ones don't.
ATC don't really care about those distinctions, but they obviously makes a difference from an airport's point of view.