Benefits of Shared Information Flows at
Airports
Collaborative Decision Making
(CDM) is seen as an important approach to making best use of scarce resources
such as airport runways, airport terminal gates and Air Traffic Flow Management
take-off slots Furthermore, it aims to give Aircraft Operators more flexibility
to maximise their efficiency in meeting their schedules.
The main objective of this project
was to identify the most important information flow requirements that would
improve CDM-related business processes around Copenhagen (Kastrup) airport and
Stockholm (Arlanda) airport, particularly with regards to the requirements and
possibilities provided by AMAN/DMAN systems.
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Stockholm
Arlanda |
Copenhagen
Kastrup |
In contrast to many theoretical
approaches this study focused on the real operational environment at the
airports with its inherent requirements and possibilities. On-site structured
interviews were held with representatives of the airport authorities, airlines,
ground handling companies and air traffic service providers to gain knowledge
of airport users operations. Follow-up questionnaires focused on the
consequences information has on their operational procedures and identified the
information available, received and required in each case.
The major problems identified
related to information accuracy, interpretation and uncertainty and the
difficulties of sharing information.
The key results showed that the
most important information parameters needed are the Estimated ON-Block (EONB)
and Estimated Off-Block (EOBT) times as these have the greatest influence on
the quality of operating procedures. The EONB triggers most processes related
to arriving aircraft while the EOBT is decisive for processes related to
departure of aircraft. The EONB/EOBT are extremely difficult to determine as
they depend on events that are difficult to assess. The requirement for
accuracy is very high and currently not completely fulfilled.
Recommendations included the need
for a greater inter–relationship between airport authorities, aircraft
operators, handling companies and Air traffic control in order to define
possible added user requirements for information distribution and optimise
airport operations.
Links
Airport Throughput
Business Area
Contacts
Diarmuid Houlihan,
Eurocontrol Experimental Centre
Michael Laubrock, Airport
Research Center