The role of airports in the development of airport slot allocation policies
Contributing author: Philippe Villard, Head, Policy and Economics, ACI World The WAGA pre-conference on airport slots demonstrated a keen interest...
ACI World forecasts that on average the total passenger traffic worldwide will grow at a pace of 4.1% per annum. In the same period, aircraft movements will grow at a rate of 2.0% per annum. As a result, global traffic will double by 2031.
The management of scarce airport capacity remains essential in ensuring that efficient access is given to airport infrastructure so that the forecasted growth in air traffic is accommodated by the world’s airports. Already as of today 122 congested airports are subject to schedule-management measures (so-called Level 2 airports) and another 201 airports experience a level of congestion that requires the implementation of a stricter slot-coordination and allocation process (so-called Level 3 airports). According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), there could be an additional 100 coordinated airports by 2030.
As we know, airport congestion leads to delays and a deterioration of the passenger experience. It can also reduce competition since it is difficult for new carriers to enter an already-full airport. This gives increased market power to incumbent airlines and potentially means higher fares for passengers.
It is in this context that ACI World is convening, in advance of the ACI Asia-Pacific / World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, a pre-conference workshop on airport slots. The Slot workshop will provide background information on the existing IATA worldwide slot guidelines (WSG) and will explore mechanisms by which the implementation of slot allocation processes and rules can optimize the use of airport capacity. Specifically, the workshop will cover the following items:
In addition to the ACI subject-matter experts, participants will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with leaders from the aviation industry. We are delighted that Gunter Heinrich, Head, Airport Slot Management, Frankfurt Airport, and Donald Tan, Vice President, Airline Development, Changi Airport Group, will offer their perspectives on airport slot allocation. Reina Komori from Prolog Development Center Asia Pacific will additionally provide participants with an overview of technology and how it can be of assistance for congested airports.
We are looking forward to welcoming and engaging the dialogue with airport operators during this pre-conference workshop on airport slots.
