Airport CDM (Collaborative Decision Making) & Its Impacts

Airport CDM (Collaborative Decision Making) is a joint initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency and resilience of airport operations by optimizing operational efficiency in flight operations and improving the predictability of air traffic. It achieves this through the transparent and collaborative exchange of accurate and timely information among airport partners, including airport operators, aircraft operators, ground handlers, air traffic control (ATC), and the Network Manager. A-CDM focuses particularly on aircraft turnaround and pre-departure processes, enabling better decision-making and more efficient airport operations

Approach for Efficiency: What is A-CDM?

A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) is a transformative approach designed to enhance the efficiency of airport operations. Traditional airport operations often face challenges such as fragmented communication, lack of real-time data, and siloed decision-making, leading to significant airport delays and inefficiencies. A-CDM addresses these challenges by fostering a collaborative environment where all stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, share accurate and timely information. This shared situational awareness enables better resource allocation, reduces turnaround time, and minimizes delays. For example, by using A-CDM, airports can optimize runway throughput and improve compliance with Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) slots, leading to smoother and more predictable operations.

How A-CDM Works

A-CDM works by integrating various airport stakeholders into a unified decision-making process. The core principles of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) include transparency, information sharing, and joint decision-making. Here’s how it facilitates information sharing between airport stakeholders:

 

• Data Integration: A-CDM systems collect and integrate data from multiple sources, such as flight schedules, gate assignments, and aircraft turnaround times. This data is then shared in real-time with all relevant parties.
• Common Situational Awareness: By providing a common operational picture, A-CDM ensures that all stakeholders have access to the same information, reducing misunderstandings and improving coordination.
• Decision Support Tools: A-CDM employs advanced decision support tools that help stakeholders analyze data and make informed decisions. For instance, pre-departure sequencing tools can optimize taxi times and departure queues, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) allows for real-time adjustments and long-term improvements in airport operations.

 

For example, at major European airports like Frankfurt and Munich, A-CDM has been successfully implemented to streamline operations. These airports have reported significant reductions in taxi times and improved punctuality, demonstrating the effectiveness of A-CDM in enhancing airport efficiency.

 

As of 2022, 34 airports have fully implemented Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) and are integrated into the Network Manager’s system through Departure Planning Information (DPI) messages, representing approximately 41.5% of departures within the Network Manager’s area and significantly enhancing the accuracy of take-off time predictions and overall network efficiency.

Key Elements of Airport CDM (Collaborative Decision Making)

• Information Sharing: Establishes a common situational awareness by sharing accurate and timely information among all stakeholders, facilitating improved decision-making and coordination. 

• Milestone Approach: Tracks the progress of flights using a sequence of significant events (milestones) from planning to take-off, enabling close monitoring and prediction of forthcoming events for each flight. 

• Variable Taxi Time Calculation: Calculates taxi times based on real-time data, allowing for more accurate predictions and efficient use of taxiways and runways.

• Pre-Departure Sequencing (PDS): Optimizes the departure sequence of aircraft, reducing congestion and delays on the ground. 

• Adverse Conditions Management: Enhances the airport’s ability to manage operations during adverse conditions by providing a framework for coordinated decision-making among stakeholders.

Benefits of Airport CDM (Collaborative Decision Making)

• Improved Predictability: By sharing accurate information and tracking flight milestones, A-CDM enhances the predictability of airport operations, leading to more efficient resource utilization. 
• Reduced Delays: Implementation of A-CDM has been associated with reductions in taxi-out times and overall delays, contributing to more punctual flight operations.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Optimizing turnaround processes and resource allocation leads to increased operational efficiency and capacity at airports.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduced taxi times and delays contribute to lower fuel consumption and emissions, supporting environmental sustainability goals.

 

Role of A-CDM for Flight Operators

A-CDM significantly enhances airport operations by improving communication and coordination among all stakeholders. This leads to reduced turnaround time, minimized airport delays, and more efficient handling of adverse conditions. The core principles of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) focus on transparency, information sharing, and collaborative management of flight updates, which are crucial for optimizing airport operations.

1. Ground Handling Process

A-CDM facilitates real-time information sharing between ground handlers, airlines, and airport operators, ensuring that ground handling processes are synchronized and efficient. In traditional airport operations, ground handlers often face delays due to a lack of timely information about aircraft arrival times. With A-CDM, ground handlers receive real-time updates on aircraft status, allowing them to prepare equipment and personnel in advance. This reduces idle time and speeds up the turnaround process. For instance, if an aircraft is delayed, ground handlers can adjust their schedules accordingly, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and reducing overall turnaround time.

At A-CDM airports, the standard deviation of take-off time predictions has decreased from 14 minutes to around 5 minutes, significantly enhancing the predictability of flight operations and enabling more efficient resource management through better allocation of ground handling equipment and personnel.

2. Taxi Time

A-CDM optimizes taxi times by providing a common situational awareness and enabling pre-departure sequencing. Traditional airport operations often suffer from inefficient taxiing due to poor coordination between air traffic control and airlines. A-CDM addresses this by integrating data from various sources to create a unified operational picture. The implementation of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) has led to a reduction in taxi-out times by up to 20%, contributing to lower fuel consumption and emissions, while also decreasing departure delays by approximately 10–15%, thereby improving punctuality and enhancing passenger satisfaction.

 

3. Adverse Conditions

A-CDM enhances airport operations during adverse conditions by ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the same real-time information, enabling better decision-making. During adverse weather conditions, traditional airport operations can become chaotic due to fragmented communication. A-CDM mitigates this by providing a centralized platform for information sharing. For instance, if a snowstorm is expected, A-CDM allows for coordinated de-icing operations, ensuring that aircraft are de-iced in a timely manner and that departure slots are managed efficiently. This reduces delays and maintains operational continuity.

4. Collaborative Management on Flight Updates

A-CDM ensures that all stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, are synchronized through collaborative management of flight updates. In traditional operations, flight updates are often communicated through multiple channels, leading to inconsistencies and delays. A-CDM streamlines this process by providing a single source of truth for flight information. For example, if a flight is delayed, A-CDM ensures that all relevant parties are immediately informed, allowing for coordinated adjustments to schedules and resources. This improves overall efficiency and reduces the impact of delays on subsequent flights.

 

By implementing A-CDM, flight operators can significantly enhance their operational efficiency, reduce delays, and improve the overall passenger experience.

Operational Considerations for A-CDM Implementation

By considering these aspects, flight operators can further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations through A-CDM, leading to improved performance and a better passenger experience:

Data Integration and Interoperability

Ensure that the A-CDM system is compatible with existing airline and airport IT systems, including seamless integration with flight management systems (FMS), ground handling systems, and air traffic management (ATM) systems. Utilize standardized data formats such as AIDX (Aviation Information Data Exchange) to facilitate smooth data exchange between different stakeholders, ensuring that all parties work with consistent and accurate information.

Enhanced Situational Awareness

Deploy advanced surveillance technologies such as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) and MLAT (Multilateration) to provide real-time tracking of aircraft movements on the ground and in the air. Utilize digital twin technology to create a virtual replica of the airport environment, which can help in simulating different scenarios and optimizing resource allocation.

Cybersecurity Measures

Ensure that all data exchanged between stakeholders is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, including both in-transit and at-rest data. Implement robust access control mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls, to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive cybersecurity information.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with international standards and regulations such as ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and the European Union’s SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) program. Conduct regular audits, both internal and external, to ensure that A-CDM processes are in line with regulatory requirements.

Performance Metrics and Continuous Improvement

Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of A-CDM implementation, including metrics such as turnaround time, taxi-out time, and delay reduction. Establish feedback loops to continuously gather input from stakeholders and make necessary adjustments to A-CDM processes, ensuring the system remains effective and responsive to changing operational needs.

Airports with Exemplary Airport CDM (Collaborative Decision Making) Systems

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

In 2022, Vienna Airport ranked 16th for average daily traffic, and during the summer, the average ground delay per analyzed flight was 17% below the network average. However, the airport saw a 56% increase in average ground delays compared to 2019, largely due to weather challenges in Q4. Despite this, the airport maintained good overall operational performance.

 

The implementation of A-CDM, achieved on April 5, 2022, played a significant role in improving efficiency by enhancing coordination between stakeholders and optimizing airport throughput, especially during peak hours. Additionally, Vienna Airport benefited from the Network Manager’s support in Integrated Airport Operations Plan – Network Operations Plan (iAOP-NOP) and the implementation of projects like the Final Approach Spacing Tool to increase runway throughput. These measures, along with ongoing contributions to the Airport Function service and Airport Corner processes, have helped mitigate delays and improve operational resilience.

Brussels International Airport (BRU)

In 2022, Brussels Airport ranked 24th for average daily traffic. However, compared to 2019, the average ground delay per analyzed flight increased by 54%, partly due to storm damage in February, which led to the unavailability of some gates on the Schengen Pier. Despite these setbacks, the airport experienced strong coordination between Airport Operations Centre (APOC) and Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC) throughout the summer.

 

A-CDM was fully implemented, helping to optimize operations, with ongoing support from the Network Manager for troubleshooting and requests. The integration of iAOP-NOP also played a role in streamlining operational planning. After COVID-19 delays, the airport resumed its capacity and performance surveys in 2022. Additionally, Brussels Airport re-engaged in the Airport Corner process, contributing regular updates on events, diversion capabilities, and strategic information.

Istanbul International Airport (IST)

In 2022, Istanbul Airport ranked 1st for average daily traffic and 9th for daily airport delay. However, the average ground delay per analyzed flight increased by 52% compared to 2019, with significant disruption caused by Storm Elpis (January 21-27). Communication and coordination issues were reported during weather events in Q1 2022, as well as in June and July, but these improved later in the year.

 

A coordination meeting between Network Manager (NM) and Directorate General of State Airports Authority (DHMI) played a key role in enhancing collaboration. The Network Manager worked closely with the airport through the Airport Function service to maximize throughput during peak hours. Additionally, the Network Manager supported the ongoing A-CDM implementation process. The airport also resumed its contributions to the Airport Corner process, providing regular reports on events and diversion capabilities. As part of increasing runway throughput, Istanbul Airport prepared to implement optimized wake RECAT minima at the IST Tower in 2022—an updated separation standard that allows aircraft to depart with reduced spacing based on more accurate wake turbulence data, improving efficiency without compromising safety.

London Luton International Airport (LTN)

In 2022, London Luton Airport ranked 37th for average daily traffic, but the average ground delay per analyzed flight was 64% above the network average during the summer. The airport faced challenges, including runway surface overheating in July and runway maintenance in Q3. The Network Manager worked closely with the airport through the Airport Function service, focusing on maximizing throughput during peak hours.

 

The implementation of the Advanced ATC Tower was completed, with continued support from the Network Manager for any issues or requests. However, there was no information provision from the airport during 2022. The Network Manager would appreciate the airport’s re-engagement in the Airport Corner process for regular reporting on strategic, pre-tactical, and tactical information.

 

The reduction in taxi-out times and delays at Airport CDM airports contributes to significant fuel savings, with estimates indicating a decrease in fuel consumption by approximately 285,000 tons annually, while the cost-benefit analysis of Airport CDM implementation reveals a favorable ratio of 7:1 over a 10-year period, highlighting substantial economic advantages. By adhering to the core principles of Airport Collaborative Decision Making, A-CDM facilitates efficient information sharing between stakeholders, significantly reducing turnaround time and airport delays. Just Aviation embraces A-CDM to optimize airport operations and enhance overall efficiency.