Eurocontrol and ACI Europe’s collaboration to increase operational efficiencies at European airports is already making progress with more than 30 airports so far engaged in the programme. Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM), directly links airports into the Air Traffic Management network and gives users access to a range of operational data allowing them to make their operations more efficient. Successful implementation leads to significant reduction in CO2 emissions, which in turn helps airlines save fuel. A-CDM is a major part of the Memorandum of Understanding agreed in October 2008, between ACI EUROPE and Eurocontrol. Since then, they have jointly led this programme, helping airports overcome the technological challenges of A-CDM implementation. The sharing of accurate and timely data between Air Traffic Management and airport operators, airlines, ground handlers and service providers involves investment in new systems and working methods.
Building on the results achieved so far, the new aim is to engage a total 60 airports in the Airport-Collaborative Decision-Making programme, by the end of 2010.
Speaking at the ACI Europe Airport Exchange event taking place this year in Barcelona, David McMillan, Director General of Eurocontrol said “The environmental balance has clearly tipped from awareness and acknowledgement to concrete actions resulting in a willingness to adopt substantive changes to operational procedures. A-CDM and other initiatives such as continuous descent approaches are good examples of what can be achieved when a number of stakeholders work together in partnership.”
Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI Europe said “The airport industry’s response to A-CDM has got off to an impressive start, allowing for more efficient airport operations for all stakeholders involved, in particular airlines. This is part of the renewed focus of European airports on efficiency, which is vital in the current trading conditions.”
A-CDM is also an early deliverable of SESAR, the 2.1 billion euros Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research programme launched by Eurocontrol, the European Union and industry. SESAR is developing more advanced collaborative decision making which will incorporate and share information such as passenger flows and baggage information, contributing to an enhanced global picture and a better aviation system for all users and citizens. Tatiana Rokou - Wednesday, November 25, 2009