ACI EUROPE unveils strategic vision at Airports Innovate 2024 Conference

The Airports Innovate 2024 Conference in Rome has become a significant platform this week for unveiling transformative strategies in the aviation sector. Among the highlights was ACI EUROPE‘s presentation of its comprehensive approach to addressing capacity and performance management challenges across European airports.

Key to this initiative are two newly launched publications: the updated Airport Capacity Position Paper and the Airport Operations Centres (APOCs) Guidebook. Both documents underline the critical need for collaborative efforts among airlines, ground handlers, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and regulators to tackle increasing disruptions, capacity constraints and surging air traffic demand.

According to EUROCONTROL’s Aviation Outlook 2050, air traffic demand in Europe is projected to grow by 44% by 2050 compared to 2019. However, as much as 12% of passenger demand may go unmet due to physical capacity constraints, outdated systems and insufficient investment.

To address this, the ACI EUROPE Airport Capacity Position Paper outlines strategies to maximise the use of existing infrastructure, introduce advanced technologies, improve coordination with Air Traffic Management and enhance community relations. Additionally, it calls for revising airport slot allocation rules and implementing dynamic airport charges to encourage efficient practices.

ACI EUROPE emphasises the need to place airport operators at the centre of capacity and performance management. The Position Paper advocates for breaking operational silos, fostering shared situational awareness and adopting collaborative decision-making frameworks. This approach aims to improve passenger experiences, enhance air connectivity and support sustainability goals.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said: “Running an airport is too often akin to managing a factory without control over throughput. This must change. By revising slot allocation rules and empowering airport operators, we can ensure European aviation remains competitive and resilient, especially in the face of sustainability challenges and disruptions like extreme weather.”

ACI EUROPE has also unveiled a new guidebook on Airport Operations Centres (APOCs), describing them as the operational nerve centres of airports. APOCs bring together diverse stakeholders to enhance efficiency, safety and passenger satisfaction. The guidebook offers frameworks for airports establishing their first APOCs and recommendations for enhancing existing ones.

Highlighting the APOC’s significance, Jankovec said: “An APOC is a powerful tool to unify stakeholders, ensure punctual operations, and enhance passenger journeys. It also strengthens Europe’s aviation network by fostering better communication with EUROCONTROL’s Network Manager.”