ACI World Challenges IATA’s slot policy perspective

GLOBAL – Airports Council International (ACI) World has responded firmly to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) White Paper on slot regulation, emphasizing the necessity of a collaborative approach to meet growing air traffic demands.

The organization highlighted that airports worldwide have consistently invested in infrastructure and efficiency improvements to accommodate rising passenger numbers.

However, ACI underscored that addressing the broader challenges of airport capacity requires the joint efforts of all aviation stakeholders.

“Meeting future capacity demands requires collaboration,” said Darryl Dowd, Vice President of Safety, Security, and Operations at ACI World. “Airports and airlines must work together to ensure fair and efficient slot allocation, improved operations, and the necessary investments in infrastructure to support growth.”

ACI pointed out that airports cannot optimize capacity utilization in isolation. Various factors, including air traffic management, ground handling, immigration services, security screening, and weather conditions, significantly influence capacity.

Airline operations themselves play a crucial role, as their scheduling practices directly impact slot usage and efficiency.

To meet projected growth in air traffic, ACI has long advocated for significant investments in infrastructure. Airports have pursued these improvements despite resistance from airlines, which consistently oppose reasonable increases in airport charges.

ACI highlighted that such charges make up only 4% of airlines’ total costs on average, a relatively minor expense compared to the broader benefits of enhanced infrastructure.

Efforts to expand and optimize airport capacity have been hindered by these disputes. “Airports naturally have an incentive to meet market demands by improving efficiency and accommodating passenger growth,” an ACI spokesperson noted.

“However, funding these developments requires the support of all industry players, including airlines.”

ACI has consistently called for modernizing the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) to better align with current market conditions.

The organization criticized IATA’s White Paper for offering an incomplete perspective, stating that it unfairly attributes inefficiencies in the current system solely to airports.

According to ACI, this narrow view overlooks the inefficiencies caused by airline practices and detracts from the necessary discussions around updating slot allocation policies.

ACI’s push for change includes active participation in the Worldwide Airport Slot Board (WASB), established in 2020 as a collaborative platform for airports, airlines, and coordinators to refine slot guidelines.

The organization emphasized that these discussions must prioritize consumer needs while balancing the interests of all stakeholders.

Beyond slot regulation, ACI continues to promote excellence in airport operations through various initiatives. Its Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program supports customer satisfaction improvements, while its sustainability efforts focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Recent surveys by ACI have revealed a growing demand for convenience and premium services among travelers, underscoring the importance of enhancing passenger experiences.

As the aviation industry prepares for future growth, ACI remains committed to fostering cooperation across all sectors. “Collaboration is the key to delivering solutions that benefit passengers, economies, and the aviation ecosystem as a whole,” Dowd concluded.

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