GettyImages-1319258401.jpg

As the global representative of the airline industry, IATA works with airports, airlines, ground handlers, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), and regulators to build a shared, real-time operational picture; replacing fragmented estimates with one predictable, efficient system is crucial. 
 
A-CDM is an internationally recognized framework aligned with ICAO Doc 10052 and the Eurocontrol/ACI concept of operations. A-CDM Consulting provides expert guidance, training, and valuable resources, such as the ACDM Toolkit, that give all stakeholders a common, real-time view of flight milestones, using agreed target times instead of individual estimates to reduce uncertainty and improve punctuality.  
 
By leveraging the A-CDM framework, we help you:

Improve Predictability 

Replace individually calculated estimates with one set of shared target times to improve situational awareness and reduce uncertainty for every stakeholder.

Optimize Resource Use 

Give ground handlers, the ANSP, and the airport operator the shared information they need to plan stands, staff, equipment, and runway capacity more efficiently

Reduce Delay & Taxi Time 

Better sequencing of pushback and departure reduces taxi times, fuel burn, emissions, and knock-on delay across the wider network.

Strengthen Collaboration 

Build a shared operational culture between the airport, airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, underpinned by a joint decision-making process.

Enhance Resilience 

Improve the airport's ability to anticipate and manage disruption, including adverse weather and capacity constraints, with coordinated recovery procedures and real-time decision support. 

Prepare for Network Integration 

Position the airport to connect into wider Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) and future Total Airport Management (TAM) initiatives

Our Approach 

Every airport starts its A-CDM journey from a different level of maturity. Our approach adapts to yours, moving through eight stages:

1. Initial A-CDM Alignment

 
Align airports, airlines, ground handlers, ANSPs, and other stakeholders around a shared vision, objectives, and governance approach for A-CDM.

2. Readiness Assessment & Gap Analysis

 
Benchmark your current operational maturity against A-CDM best practice and pinpoint the organizational, procedural, and technology gaps to close. 

3. Governance & Project Planning

 
Establish the local A-CDM governance structure, stakeholder roles, KPIs, and a resourced implementation roadmap. 

4. Concept of Operations & Systems Design

 
Define the future operating model – milestones, roles, and information exchanges – and the systems needed to support it. 

5. Systems & Procedure Implementation 

 
Advise on system integration and milestone tracking, and implement standardized procedures for arrival, turnaround, departure, and contingency operations. 

6. Training & Change Management

 
Build stakeholder understanding and buy-in through targeted training for the teams who will run A-CDM day-to-day. 

7. Go-Live Support

 
 Support the transition to live operations and validate operational readiness. 

8. Continuous Improvement

 
Establish the indicators used to monitor performance and prepare the airport for future initiatives like ATFM and Total Airport Management (TAM) integration. 

 

Contact us 

If you are interested in engaging the services of IATA Consulting, please fill out the form below.

IATA is dedicated to supporting your airport operations journey

A-CDM Consulting connects directly to IATA's broader ATM and operations portfolio, including Airspace Strategy development and Aviation Data Analytics. Ground improvements translate into measurable network-wide benefits. 

Related courses and programs