The integration, collaboration and intelligent development of global air transport system puts high demands on the refined management of resource scheduling in airfield area, and the efficient management and control of air traffic operations. This work focuses on the basic concepts and framework of airfield resource scheduling problem, which is part I of the whole research. The basic concepts of the airfield area are discussed from the perspectives of international conventions, theoretical research and industry regulations, and the general processes and connotation of airfield resource scheduling are analyzed. Then, the framework elements of theoretical methods, system tools, management mechanisms, and the logical relationships among the elements are systematically summarized. This paper is aimed to provide scientific guidances and references for the sustainable development of theory and practice in airport operation management.