El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá has become the first airport in Latin America to implement an Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system for aircraft turnarounds.
This initiative, undertaken by airport operator OPAIN in partnership SITA, marks a significant step in collaborative airport management within the region.
By improving real-time data sharing among airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, the A-CDM system enables increased coordination for more efficient use of ground resources and runway slots, helping reduce delays, cut fuel consumption, and improve on-time performance.
“El Dorado has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, positioning us as one of Latin America’s busiest airports,” explained Natali Leal, CEO of OPAIN.
“This rapid expansion brings challenges in maintaining operational efficiency and punctuality.
“Implementing the A-CDM system allows us to address these challenges head-on by having better co-ordination among all stakeholders. This collaborative approach is essential for strengthening the passenger experience and making sure our growth is sustainable.”
At El Dorado, the implementation integrates SITA’s Collaborative Decision-Making tools, including the Pre-Departure Sequencer (PDS), Airport Management System (AMS), and Operations Manager.
These tools, states SITA, collectively contribute to a more streamlined and efficient airport operation.
“Airports across Latin America are navigating a landscape of rapid growth and increasing complexity,” noted Shawn Gregor, president of SITA Americas.
“Regional air traffic is expected to reach 773 million passengers by the end of 2024, a 5.5% increase over the previous year, according to ACI-LAC. With this, there’s an urgent need for solutions that strengthen efficiency and resilience.
“Technologies like A-CDM are key in meeting these demands, allowing airports to optimise operations, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall travel experience.
“Supporting El Dorado in setting a new standard for airport management is a big step for both the airport and the region as a whole.”
The A-CDM system has already shown strong results in European airports, where it has delivered estimated annual savings of 360,000kg of fuel, reduced delays by 2,000 minutes per year, and cut taxiing times by 26,300 minutes.
It has also improved the ability to forecast operating conditions, reduced air traffic flow management (ATFM) slot waste, and enhanced pre-takeoff planning, helping airports operate more smoothly and efficiently.
