Guidance for Planning, Design, and Operations of Airport Communications Centers (2018)

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1 Information to make sound, accurate, and timely decisions is an absolute necessity in the modern airport environment. The data blocks, which form the basis for this information, flow throughout the airport through numerous internal and external communication chan- nels, often in a non-integrated fashion, resulting in airport management not being able to gain the situational awareness necessary to make sound day-to-day decisions and plan for strategic airport initiatives. Furthermore, with the proliferation of new technology, applica- tions, and systems, the amount of data flowing throughout the airport keeps expanding. Simply stated, the more complex the airport environment, the greater the amount of data in transit and the greater the need for a communications center. In response to these issues and trends, more airport operators are developing airport communications centers (ACCs) where airports can • Channel some or all of these communications • Locate traditionally separate functions so as to increase internal collaboration • Integrate technology to provide a common operating picture • Articulate a uniform and comprehensive image to the public, local community, and rel- evant government entities. An airport operator can choose from among many models to create an ACC best suited to meet its needs—there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution that an airport can adopt. However, this choice does not need to be a daunting task. Most airport operators are well aware of their operational environment, information needs, and desired operational environment and can plan and design situation-specific ACCs using common airport project management practices and collaboration techniques without the need for substantial outside assistance. The primary inhibitor to developing an ACC solely internally is typically the resources neces- sary to engage in a potentially extensive process. Developing a communications center enables airport management to take a holistic view of the entire operation, including processes and procedures, formal and informal communi- cation processes, and electronic and paper information systems. This approach can be valu- able for an airport operator when defining its future course of action for the communications center and beyond. During the ACC project, the following six questions are asked and answered. WHY? Or the Basis for ACC Development Determining the reasons for creating or expanding an ACC is probably the most important assessment an airport operator can make. The reasons help answer subsequent questions. For example, does the airport operator perceive a need based on past issues want to better S u m m a r y Guidance for Planning, Design, and Operations of Airport Communications Centers