Publication date: 08 SEP 2022

AIC A 06/2022

INTRODUCTION OF AIRPORT COLLABORATIVE DECISION MAKING (A-CDM) AT HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AND DOHA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

1 Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this AIC is to inform aircraft operators on the implementation plan of A-CDM at Hamad International and Doha International Airport to optimise airport operations by having an efficient turnaround process and improving the predictability of events.
1.2 A-CDM involves the sharing of accurate and timely information between airport operator, aircraft operators, ground handlers and ATC through different supporting systems and implementing a set of operational procedures.
1.3 The sharing of real time information enables improved predictability of events starting from the arrival phase, during the turnaround process and aids in pre-departure sequence planning. A-CDM aims to enhance decision making and operational awareness, improve resources allocation management, flight punctuality, reduce taxiway and holding point congestion which will be beneficial to all stakeholders.
1.4 Definitions of commonly used terms in A-CDM.

1.4.1 Target Off Block Time (TOBT) – The time an Aircraft Operator (AO) or Ground Handling Agent (GHA) or Airport authority estimates that an aircraft will be ready, all doors closed, boarding bridge removed, push back vehicle connected to the aircraft and ready to start-up/pushback immediately upon reception of approval from ATC.

1.4.2 Target Start Up Approval Time (TSAT) – The time provided by ATC that an aircraft can expect start-up/push back approval, based on RWY sequencing, push-back & taxi constrains and ATFM measures – Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT).

2 A-CDM Pre-Departure Procedures

2.1 The A-CDM procedures applies to all flights departing from Hamad and Doha Airport, except HEAD, Military, SAR, MEDEVAC, HOSP, and other special flights, whereby ATC shall have full discretion in the conduct of such operations.
2.2 A-CDM platform will generate and calculate an automated system-TOBT taking into account the estimated/actual in-block time, minimum turnaround time and scheduled time of departure.
2.3 The ground handler (Qatar Aviation Services – QAS) will confirm the system generated TOBT at 45 minutes and later as required update the prior calculated TOBT. TOBT is subsequently updated to an accuracy of +/- 5 minutes if changes are expected.
2.4 TOBT is available through:
  1. A-CDM platform
  2. Turnaround Coordinator
  3. OTHH Parking stands equipped with VDGS
2.5 TSAT information is available through:
  1. A-CDM platform at 30 minutes before TOBT
  2. Turnaround Coordinator
  3. OTHH Parking stands equipped with VDGS shall display TSAT, as soon as it is available

3 OTHH A-CDM Start-up Procedures

3.1 These procedures are applicable during the phase when the aircraft is still parked. For simplicity, no interaction with respect for routing or other services is provided here. Only A-CDM related interaction between pilot and ground is detailed.
3.2 Flight deck crew shall ensure aircraft is ready to push back at TOBT.
3.3 ATC/En-route Clearance request:
  1. ATC will communicate TSAT to flight deck crew (if available) but only via voice, DCL cannot provide TSAT. At TSAT +/- 2 minutes.
  2. ATC will advise ATC related changes to TSAT via frequency.
3.4 Start-up and Push back clearance: The flight deck crew must have a valid ATC en-route clearance.

At TSAT +/- 2 minutes:

  1. Flight deck crew to call the appropriate ATC frequency, allocated during enroute clearance, to request start and push-back, or start and taxi.
  2. Flight deck crew shall continue monitoring the ATC frequency.
  3. ATC will advise ATC related changes to TSAT via frequency (if required).
  4. Aircraft pushes back at TSAT +/- 2 minutes.

At TSAT + 5 minutes:

  1. If the pushback cannot be executed by TSAT + 5 minutes due to any reason, it is the flight deck crew’s responsibility to advise ATC, Ground handler and its airline representatives to update TOBT accordingly for a new TSAT.
  2. The flight deck crew may require to coordinate with ATC for new clearances (start-up approval and/or enroute clearance if required) based on the new TSAT.

Note: Flight deck crew should not contact ATC for start-up request prior TSAT. TSAT will be available to flight deck crews via Turnaround Coordinator and on OTHH parking stands equipped with VDGS.

4 OTBD A-CDM Start-up Procedures

4.1 These procedures are applicable during the phase when the aircraft is still parked. For simplicity, no interaction with respect for routing or other services is provided here. Only A-CDM related interaction between pilot and ground is detailed.
4.2 Flight deck crew shall report "ready" to ATC at TOBT until max TOBT +5.
4.3 Flight deck crew shall monitor ATC frequency to receive start- and push-back approval or taxi instruction for PIPO stands.
4.4 ATC amongst other entities can inform flight deck crew about CTOT (if applicable).

5 A-CDM Operational Trials

5.1 Hamad and Doha International Airports will be introducing A-CDM operational trials over a few phases prior to full implementation of A-CDM.
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