Guidebook for Advancing Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) at Airports

Abstract

This report provides guidance to airport operators about the value of and how to integrate collaborative decision making (CDM) into operations. CDM, or ACDM to refer to airport collaborative decision making, is the process of data sharing whereby airports, airlines, other stakeholders, and the air navigation service provider (i.e., Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control) share information to make operational decisions. While the airlines and the FAA have considerable experience in using CDM, airports have not typically been participants. New technologies that make it easier for airports to obtain information and for other stake holders to exchange information with airports, have allowed airports to play a more direct role in CDM. As airports have had an opportunity to participate in CDM activities, they have been able to achieve efficiencies for their daily operations and improve their effectiveness in their IROPS (Irregular Operations) activities. The Guidebook provides a history of CDM, both in the United States and abroad, a background on the issues, the tools that can be used, when it can be used, and the benefits. The Guidebook discusses the different stakeholders and their role, guides the user for implementation, and provides lessons learned.