Dublin Airport

Irish Aviation Authority general manager Paul McCann and Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison launching the A-CDM system at Dublin Airport. Credit: Dublin Airport.

Dublin Airport in collaboration with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has launched a joint initiative aimed at improving the flow of air traffic at the airport and slash flight delays.

The collaboration will see the partners integrate Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) into the management of daily flight operations at the airport.

Under the supervision of European air traffic manager Eurocontrol, the A-CDM optimises the use of resources and improves the predictability of events.

Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison said: “We are delighted Dublin Airport is the first airport in Ireland to use the A-CDM process.

“We are fully committed to this initiative, which will improve aircraft arrival, departure and turnaround times leading to greater efficiencies, and ultimately, improving the overall passenger experience.”

“We are fully committed to this initiative, which will improve aircraft arrival, departure and turnaround times leading to greater efficiencies.”

A-CDM means participating airports, aircraft operators, ground handlers, the IAA and Eurocontrol can know exactly where an aircraft is during every step of the departing flight process.

It also facilitates information sharing between the stakeholders in real-time.

Airlines, passengers, the airport and the overall European airports and aviation network will benefit from fewer late gate changes and faster taxi times.

Harrison further said: “Importantly, A-CDM will help reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions from aircraft and vehicles operating on the airfield. Dublin Airport is mandated to implement A-CDM by 1 January 2021 and we are delighted to have the initiative in train about two years ahead of schedule.”

Irish Aviation Authority terminal services general manager Paul McCann said that implementing A-CDM at Dublin Airport would contribute to the reduction of aircraft ground congestion at peak times and should also reduce delays.

The collaboration will see Dublin Airport and the IAA complete a six-month data verification exercise with the European network manager.

A-CDM has already been deployed at 28 airports across Europe and accounts for 37% of departures on the continent.