Consumers to benefit from new Sydney Airport demand management rules, says slot manager ACL Asia Pacific
Consumers will benefit from superior operational transparency, flexibility and efficiency at Sydney Airport, said slot manager ACL Asia Pacific which has welcomed Federal Government changes to its demand management framework.
ACL chief executive officer, Neil Garwood, said the new system is fairer for all airlines using Sydney Airport, or wanting to gain access, and better aligns its demand management practices with accepted global standards.
Headline changes
- Improved access for new entrant airlines
- Strengthened “use it or lose it” provisions for incumbent carriers
- Expanded slot performance monitoring and reformed Compliance Committee
- More slot choice for regional airlines
Garwood said the changes became law in late October and will deliver significantly greater transparency around take-off and landing slot allocations, ensuring airlines are not gaming the system.
“There will be improved access and prioritisation for new entrants, giving consumers greater choice, and more airlines will now qualify for new entrant status, making it easier for new and smaller airlines to access the market,” he said.
In addition, the “use it or lose it” provisions are being strengthened, meaning better use of scarce capacity and tighter exemptions around unused slots, he said.
“Under the reforms ACL will introduce its proactive approach of reviewing operational performance, working with airlines to find scheduling solutions,” Garwood said. “Should that fail to achieve desired results, the reforms introduce escalation mechanisms designed to improve performance and right time departures.
“We will also be reporting on reasons for cancellations and delays, and publishing data about slot allocations and utilisation for greater transparency.”
He said access and flexibility for regional airlines will be improved, especially during peak periods.
Regional carriers will now be able to apply for slots at any time during the new shorter peak periods, 7am-11am and 5pm-8pm, not just the take-off and landing slots already set aside for priority access by regional NSW services.
ACL Asia Pacific, part of the Airport Coordination Limited group, was appointed slot manager at Sydney Airport from April 1 this year.
“The introduction of ACL as slot manager, with the necessary expertise and systems capability, and the aim for a world class slot management framework, has meant that these reforms can now become reality,” Garwood said.
