A guide for operational staffA-CDM

Our goals

Sir Howard Davies (pictured), Chair of the Airports Commission which is examining the need for additional UK airport capacity said recently “Before new capacity becomes operational, better use can be made of existing airport infrastructure. There are no easy ways of addressing the emerging problems for UK airports without developing new infrastructure, but there are some steps that can be taken to make better use of existing capacity in the short-term.

“Following a call for evidence, the Commission is recommending a range of measures including an ‘Optimisation Strategy’ to improve the operational efficiency of UK airports and airspace, including Airport Collaborative Decision Making”.Put simply, A-CDM means airport partners working closely together, openly sharing data in real-time, using a set of operational procedures and automated processes.Originally a joint venture between ACI Europe, Eurocontrol and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, A-CDM will reduce delays, increase the predictability of events during the progress of a flight and optimise airport capacity and resources, with huge benefits too for airlines and service providers.

A-CDMAirport Collaborative Decision Making

AOBTActual Off Blocks Time

DMANDeparture Manager

DPIDeparture Planning Information

EOBTEstimated Off Blocks Time

NMOCNetwork Manager Operations Centre

OTPOn-time Performance

RWYRunway

SEGSStand Entry Guidance System

SLAService Level Agreement

TOBTTarget Off Blocks Time

TSATTarget Start Approval Time

TTOT Target Takeoff Time

Improve the environmental

footprint

Deliver capacity for

55 movements

per hour

Connect to the European network for improved slots during busy periods

Achieve 85% on-time

performance

The acronyms explained

Before new capacity

becomes operational, better use can be made of existing airport infrastructure

How we work today – without A-CDMWe aren't as efficient as we should be

Aircraft arrivalArrival spacing is varied, so we aren't optimising

runway capacity

Taxi to standYou're late on blocks due to ramp congestion and

stand conflicts

TurnDoors are closed late due to an inefficient

turn. There's no focus on accurate TOBT

Taxi to runwayTaxi times are

long due to airfield congestion

TakeoffYour takeoff is delayed

due to inefficient sequencing and an accumulation of the

previous delays

Aircraft arrivalArrival spacing is

predictable

Taxi to standYou're on time to stand thanks to

improved management of arrivals, better departure sequencing and

reduced taxi delays

TurnTurns are focused and efficient using stand

entry guidance and walk in, walk out stands

Taxi to runwayDoors are closed and you're off blocks on time, thanks to your accurate TOBT feeding

the departure sequencer

TakeoffScheduling systems

ensure you depart on time. Connection to the Euro

Control network will provide optimum takeoff times too!

Relevant data is fed through at each stage to make the process as time

efficient as possible

Working collaboratively with A-CDMCollaboratively sharing more data will help us make better decisions. The new systems will send alerts to help keep turns on time

Stand entry guidance systems have been installed on all stands. The TOBT is displayed as a countdown throughout your turn, helping collaboration for an on time departure.

DMAN (Departure Manager) is our new departure sequencing system. It will optimise the sequencing of departing aircraft giving more chance of departing on-time and it will also help to make up any delays already incurred.

Situational awareness map gives us a visual representation of all operations on the airfield. It displays in real time the exact location of any vehicle and aircraft, making planning and resourcing much more efficient.

Departure planning information messages connect Gatwick to the NMOC, allowing them to provide better departure slots at busy times.

CDM portal is a landing zone for all A-CDM users at Gatwick. Airlines, handling agents, Airfield Operations and other service partners will be able to access the same and most up-to-date flight information.

Walk in walk out stands were installed following feedback from our airlines, who told us they would optimise turnround efficiency. Disembarking and boarding times have been greatly reduced.

We’re the first UK airport to use the full suite of flight plan-able RNAV1 Standard Instrument Departure routes, of which there are 19 in total. These enable precise aircraft track management and open up a new standard of noise management, including the design of noise respite for the local population.

Improvements we've already madeNew technology Changes to our

airfield and operation

What do we need to do differently?

The Pilot The Turn Controller

Airlines Decrease fuel burn and reduce nox emissionsBetter on-time performance Better recovery of existing delaysImproved customer service

Service partners More efficient resource planning Improved compliance with SLA’s Better relationships with airlines

Gatwick AirportBetter on-time performanceIncreased slot capacity Improved service quality with airlines Better reputation with customers

Benefits for everyone

It's important that we communicate with each other accurately and regularly about our TOBT and update the system accordingly.

Pilots must only call ATC within +/-5 minutes of TOBT.

Turn Controllers must plan ahead throughout the turn.

Without commitment from our operational partners, A-CDM will not work.

We know you will have great ideas and questions you want to ask about A-CDM and we want to hear them.

Please email us at ACDM@gatwickairport.com

We need your feedback