Brussels Airport has successfully concluded the “Integrating Airport Operations (IAO)” project, a significant multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at enhancing airport operations and optimizing Air Traffic Management (ATM) across Europe. This ambitious project, launched in 2018 with support from the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) program and co-funded by the European Commission, involved collaboration between 14 partners from eight European countries. The total investment in the project amounted to €90 million, with half of the funding provided by the European Commission.
Key Achievements of the IAO Project
Optimization of Airport Operations: One of the primary achievements of the IAO project was the successful implementation of the Initial Airport Operations Plan (iAOP) at 12 airports and two Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). The iAOP streamlines decision-making processes by making them more proactive and data-driven, ensuring a more efficient use of airport resources, enhanced performance, and better coordination with the broader European ATM network.
Enhanced Passenger Experience: The modernization of ATM systems has led to reduced flight delays, improved resource planning, and enhanced operational efficiency. As a result, passengers benefit from shorter waiting times and smoother travel experiences across Europe.
Cross-Border Collaboration: The IAO initiative has fostered stronger cooperation between different countries and airports, significantly reducing fragmentation in air traffic management. It has enhanced connections between international, national, and regional air traffic across the eight participating EU countries, creating a more unified and synchronized European aviation network.
Improved Data Sharing: The project has improved the sharing of predictive and real-time data, enabling more proactive planning and decision-making. Airports now have better access to crucial information, allowing for improved synchronization between various stakeholders in the complex airport ecosystem.
Brussels Airport’s Role as Lead Partner
Brussels Airport played a pivotal role in coordinating the project, ensuring the synchronization of efforts across all stakeholders involved. As the lead partner, Brussels Airport helped guide the implementation of the iAOP and promoted a culture of collaboration and information sharing. Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s success, stating, “We are thrilled to have led this transformative project. The IAO project has been an excellent example of how airports and air navigation service providers can work together to drive innovation in airport operations.”
A Platform for Future Innovation
The success of the IAO project has laid the foundation for future initiatives aimed at further digitalizing airport operations. New projects such as BEACON and EXOPAN are already building on the lessons learned from IAO to propel further advancements in European airport operations.
Project Partners and Their Contributions
The IAO project involved collaboration among several key partners, each of whom contributed to its success:
Brussels Airport (Belgium) – Led the project and coordinated efforts to enhance airport operations and cross-border collaboration.
Fiumicino Airport (Italy) – Implemented a new Airport Operations Center (APOC) to optimize transfer processes and enhance resilience.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (France) – Launched an APOC to improve real-time data sharing and air traffic predictability.
Copenhagen Airport (Denmark) – Enhanced resource utilization and API data sharing with the EUROCONTROL Network.
Dublin Airport (Ireland) – Introduced an iAOP rolling plan for better resource forecasting and automation of processes.
ENAV (Italy) – Supported efficient data sharing and alignment with SESAR goals.
Frankfurt Airport (Germany) – Developed a tactical iAOP dashboard to improve situational awareness.
Aéroports de Paris (France) – Integrated the iAOP database to improve European network coordination.
Manchester and London Stansted Airports (UK) – Focused on harmonizing airport operations and improving resilience.
SEA Milan (Italy) – Enhanced data sharing and stakeholder collaboration for more sustainable operations.
Skeyes (Belgium) – Improved situational awareness through enhanced weather data sharing.
Swedavia (Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden) – Improved operational efficiency through better gate and stand management.
Munich Airport (Germany) – Promoted collaboration between stakeholders to improve decision-making.
SESAR Deployment Manager (EU) – Coordinated the project at the European level, ensuring alignment with Single European Sky objectives.
Looking Ahead
As the IAO project concludes, Brussels Airport and its partners celebrate the significant progress made in improving ATM efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience. By setting a new standard for operational excellence and collaboration, the IAO project provides a strong foundation for continued innovation in European aviation, with future projects building on its success.
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