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News Category: Coordination
ACL wins slot management contract at Sydney Airport
20/03/25
Award for global independent firm opens choice for airports in the region
ACL Asia Pacific, part of the Airport Coordination Limited group, is pleased to confirm its appointment as slot management provider at Australia’s Sydney Airport (SYD), effective 1 April 2025. The award follows a competitive process initiated by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. It is a strategically important win for ACL, introducing a change of slot coordinator in Sydney for the first time.
As it works closely with airport operations personnel in readiness to go live at the beginning of April, ACL Asia Pacific will position its HQ in Sydney to be run by a dedicated country manager, complementing the group’s existing Auckland office.
For Sydney Airport ACL will deploy a bespoke version of the world’s leading slot management system, enabling it to deliver a greater visibility of slot holdings, for all airline users.
“We are excited to bring our best international practices to Australia’s largest commercial airport, with over 41 million passengers in 2024, as the world’s leading slot management provider,” said ACL CEO Neil Garwood. “We are committed to delivering effective and transparent slot management and will publish the slot information held in our database to ensure the best use of capacity. Drawing on our extensive experience managing slots at nearly 80 airports worldwide, we’re committed to boosting efficiency with advanced automation and a faster, more responsive service that meets the evolving needs of Sydney Airport.”
Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, said:
“The appointment of the Airport Coordination Limited group marks another step toward a more competitive, transparent, and efficient slot framework at Sydney Airport. ACL brings extensive global experience which will benefit passengers, our airline partners, and future entrants.”
ACL Asia Pacific exhibiting at Routes Asia in Perth this month
Neil Garwood, CEO, and Denise Chapman, Commercial Manager at ACL International, will be attending and exhibiting at Routes Asia in Perth during March 25th to 27th. ACL has identified further strong growth opportunities in Australia and the wider region and plans to use the Sydney Airport win as a springboard for future relationships, leading to the creation of more regional jobs.
Take a look at ACL- Asia Pacific’s dedicated website – www.ACL-apac.com.au
Cornwall Airport Newquay Partners with Airport Coordination Limited to Enhance Operations
16/01/25Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) enters a three-year contract providing data collection services at Cornwall Airport Newquay
ACL is pleased to announce that it has signed a new three-year contract with Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), starting in December 2024. Under this agreement, ACL will provide data collection services, ensuring more efficient and seamless operations as Newquay continues to grow as a key regional hub.
NQY serves a mix of domestic and international routes, handling over 400,000 passengers and over 20,000 aircraft movements in 2023-24. As demand for regional and leisure travel continues to rise, the airport has become a key driver of economic growth and connectivity for Cornwall, making this partnership with ACL crucial to support its ongoing expansion and operational efficiency.
Amy Smith, Head of Commercial at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said,
“We’re excited to partner with Airport Coordination Limited as we work to expand our route network and enhance our operations. This collaboration comes at a crucial time, as demand for travel to and from Cornwall grows. ACL’s expertise in data collection and operational efficiency will support our mission to deliver a seamless experience for passengers and airlines alike, strengthening our position as a key regional gateway.”
Neil Garwood, Chief Executive Officer at ACL, said
“We are thrilled to begin our partnership with Cornwall Airport Newquay, an essential gateway connecting Cornwall and South-West England to the wider world. This three-year agreement reflects our shared commitment to optimise capacity while maintaining a personalised, high-quality experience for every passenger and airline. We are proud to support Cornwall Airport Newquay’s mission of improving connectivity and driving growth in this beautiful part of the UK.”
About ACL
Airport Coordination Limited is the world’s first independent airport slot coordinator. Based near London Heathrow Airport in Staines-upon-Thames, ACL provides world-leading coordination, schedule facilitation, and data collection services to airports around the world. With Newquay Airport joining its network, ACL now supports 76 airports worldwide, including 27 in the UK, solidifying its position as the largest independent airport slot coordinator in the world.
For more information, visit: www.acl-uk.org
Media Contact
Alison Chambers
Emerald Media
alison.chambers@emeraldmedia.co.uk
Royalty, World Leaders, Tight Deadlines & Limited Airport Capacity:
04/12/24Inside the Art of Coordinating a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
When world leaders gather for a meeting, the importance of smooth operations cannot be overstated. When Samoa was tasked with welcoming over 3,000 delegates and leaders for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) they contacted Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) to help manage their airport capacity to ensure the arrival and departure phase ran smoothly.
A High-stakes Puzzle:
The prestigious Commonwealth event presented a unique challenge for Faleolo International Airport (APW). With limited long- term parking bays, and only three contact stands, they were faced with a ‘drop-and-go’ model for most dignitaries. ACL’s on the ground team scheduled operations within these restrictions to ensure the airport continued to operate efficiently and in a way that provided sufficient contingency to accommodate changes on the day of operation.
How we Made it Work:
ACL’s experience managing complex international events such as COP climate summits, major sporting events, and King Charles’ Coronation, positioned them well for the challenge. Our involvement began months in advance of the CHOGM starting with an in-depth site visit to Faleolo International Airport and to meet with the organising committee. This visit included discussions with key stakeholders including representatives from the Samoan government, the Commonwealth, Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the airlines to identify potential challenges and prioritise solutions.
During the event, two senior members of the Coordination Team were on the ground in Samoa, they utilised their coordination experience to develop a parking, slot allocation and terminal model that optimised the use of limited airport space. A dedicated communication channel was established to facilitate real-time coordination between stakeholders, ensuring that any changes to flight schedules or other requests were addressed promptly.
“Your dedication to maintaining efficient operations, while prioritising the needs of dignitaries and delegates, has not gone unnoticed. The seamless coordination between airlines, airport authorities, and the organising committee reflects your exceptional organisational skills and professionalism.” – Donna Meredith – Air Traffic Services
Adaptability in Action:
Even with thorough planning, no large-scale event is without its challenges. CHOGM was no exception, with schedule changes and re-timing requests a regular occurrence. Technical issues with aircraft and unexpected schedule changes were inevitable, but ACL’s team remained flexible and responded quickly to remain on track.
Success in operations isn’t just about logistics however, it is about teamwork. ACL’s coordination with government bodies, ground handlers, airlines, and ATC helped address any disruptions swiftly. Even with multiple aircraft needing to park off-site at Pago Pago Airport, the team’s ability to manage effectively ensured a smooth operation.
The result?
An aviation operation that ran like clockwork. Despite the logistical constraints, CHOGM Samoa 2024 was a success. ACL’s ability to navigate complex situations, adapt to changes, and collaborate with stakeholders ensured that world leaders arrived and departed without issues.
“Your meticulous planning and ability to navigate the complexities of coordinating multiple high-profile flights have played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this important event.” – Donna Meredith – Air Traffic Services
With thanks
The collaboration between ACL’s team, the Samoan government, Samoan air traffic control, New Zealand air traffic control, airlines, and ground staff was what made this event a success. The professionalism, calm, and commitment shown by everyone involved was crucial to overcoming the logistical challenges that arose. Special thanks to Richard Cann, Jonathan Green and Fernando de Freitas who led the ACL team, as well as Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, who led the transport coordination group, and the tireless efforts of Yvonne Mariner, and the entire Samoan team. This event was delivered with lots of laughter, fun and good spirit. It could not have been the success it was without everyone’s dedication and collaborative spirit.
S25 SAL Distribution
08/11/24All S25 SAL’s have been issued. Please contact the coordinator if you have not received the message for a particular airport.
Riga Airport Extends Contract with World Leading Coordinator
16/09/24We are delighted to announce a continuation of our relationship with Riga Airport! We look forward to supporting this fast-growing Northern European air traffic hub, as they connect the Baltic countries with European business centres and popular holiday destinations.
“We are proud to extend our relationship supporting Riga Airport with its ambitious development plans. ACL unlocks the best use of an airports’ capacity which will help Riga build its role as the region’s premier aviation hub.” Neil Garwood (CEO ACL)
“RIX Riga Airport is pleased to continue its partnership with ACL, the world’s leading airport coordinator. Over the next years, Riga Airport will be investing in significant infrastructure projects to accommodate record passenger numbers. ACL’s expertise in airport coordination will be instrumental in ensuring efficient management of airport capacity during this time of growth and will reinforce Airport’s position as an emerging hub of Northern Europe.” Liene Freivalde (Director of Aviation Services and Business Development Department)
About Riga Airport
Riga Airport is a fast-growing Northern European air traffic hub, connecting the Baltic countries with European business centres and popular holiday destinations. Being aware of its role and responsibility in the national economy of Latvia, Riga Airport develops sustainable services and infrastructure, taking care of its employees and the environment, and keeping pace with society and the local community.
About Airport Coordination Ltd
ACL is the world’s first independent airport slot coordinator, headquartered near London Heathrow Airport. ACL provides world-leading coordination, facilitation, and data collection services at 75 airports across four continents from its offices in the UK, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. Coordination at Riga Airport is one of many airports supported across Europe, enhancing ACL’s global position as the world’s leading and largest independent coordinator.
Case No. COMP M.6447 IAG/bmi – Slot Release Procedure for Summer 2025
09/08/24W24 SAL Distribution
31/05/24All W24 SAL’s have been issued. Please contact the coordinator if you have not received the message for a particular airport.