Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) is about making the right information available at the right time in the right place so leading to reduced airport delays and enhanced punctuality.

NATS is leading an initiative at Heathrow, the world’s busiest international airport, which will improve efficiency, optimise capacity and improve the flow of aircraft by improving operational situational awareness to all.  Put simply, A-CDM is a process (procedures and supporting tool) which improves the way in which key partners at the airport share accurate and timely information and work together at an operational level.

It involves new technology and procedures which, for example, will provide accurate estimates of arrival and departure times so improving aircraft handling,  stand and gate management, air traffic control and air traffic flow management.  Decisions made using accurate shared information also increases predictability in case of unforeseen events or disruption.

A-CDM also has environmental and passenger benefits.  Emissions and noise will be reduced with less fuel burn while passengers will see service improvements, with less delays and more information during periods of disruption.  

Together with our partners - BAA, the airlines, EUROCONTROL, ground handling agents and support services – NATS is introducing the first phase of A-CDM at Heathrow at the end of March.   

An example of A-CDM implementation is Munich airport www.munich-airport.de/cdm and a comprehensive background to A-CDM can be found at the EUROCONTROL CDM website www.euro-cdm.org