Partners in A-CDM

A-CDM improves the efficiency at Toronto Pearson by encouraging collaboration between all partners involved.

With the implementation of A-CDM at Toronto Pearson, we move towards a more collaborative relationship with airport partners and increased communication with the GTAA Aviation Services. The result: a common situational awareness for all, improved predictability, and greater efficiency in utilization of airport partners’ resources.

NOTE: Official procedures for A-CDM can be found in the relevant Aeronautical publications: i.e., Aeronautical Information Circulars (AIC).

Aircraft Operators - AO

AO have direct access to their own aircraft trajectories , manage Target Off Block Time (TOBT) and have the ability to set up priorities.

If there is a +/-5 minute change to the TOBT, the AO updates the TOBT accordingly. This informs all partners of the flight’s trajectory update, increasing the efficiency of resource allocation.

With A-CDM, the AO has greater control of its own flights. Each AO is able to swap the Target Start-Up Approval Time (TSAT) between eligible flights and to assign a higher priority to certain flights of its own, either on a long-term recurring or ad-hoc basis.

runway crew in yellow vest with batons guiding an airplane

Ground Handlers

A-CDM implementation results in improved predictability of when an aircraft will be ready to depart from its stand. Ground handling activities directly affect the aircraft readiness. A-CDM makes accurate time estimates for the completion of such activities transparent. Enhanced and shared transparency contributes to more efficient planning and use of resources.

It is common for visiting AO to delegate the responsibility for providing accurate TOBT updates to the local GH. Accurate TOBT updates result in a more accurate TSAT assigned to the trajectory, which helps minimize the delay between the time the aircraft is ready to depart and the time pushback/taxi instruction is issued.

Nav Canada

NAV CANADA is the Air Navigation Service Provider at Toronto Pearson. By having an accurate and updated view of all aircraft trajectories at the airport, NAV CANADA is earlier aware of potential or actual delays. This enables NAV CANADA to issue more suitable Calculated Take Off Time (CTOT) to affected flights.

NAV CANADA issues en-route clearance and assigns departure runway for each trajectory. During winter operations, flight crew request aircraft deicing during en-route clearance delivery.

Flight Crew

Both TOBT and TSAT are displayed on the AVDGS for the flight crew (and ground handling crew). If the aircraft parking stand is not equipped with an AVDGS, then the flight crew can retrieve the same information from the A-CDM web portal.

At +/- 5 minutes of TOBT, the Flight Crew contacts the Apron Management Unit (AMU) to indicate that the aircraft is ready for pushback. This indication from the Flight Crew is known as Call Ready. Once this call is made, the Flight Crew then switches to the appropriate radio frequency and awaits start-up and pushback approval.

If the aircraft is not ready to pushback at TOBT, the Flight Crew contacts the AO to advise them of this. The AO (or authorized Ground Handler) then updates the TOBT to a more accurate time, and a new TSAT is generated in the A-CDM system.

Apron Management Unit (AMU)

The AMU manages safe and expeditious flow of aircraft traffic on the apron. It receives flight information for each trajectory, including the Target Off-Block Time (TOBT) and the Target Start Up Approval Time (TSAT). When the Flight Crew calls “Ready” to leave the stand, the AMU issues start-up/pushback and taxi instructions according to the TOBT/TSAT procedure.

Resource Management Unit (RMU)

The RMU allocates resources at the airport. It relies on accurate information provided by the partners in order to maximize airport resources utilization and minimize gate holds. The RMU monitors the progress of the ground handling activities based on accurate Target Off Block Time (TOBT) updates from the Aircraft Operator (or Ground Handling Agent working on behalf of the Aircraft Operator). This information is also shared with all airport partners through the A-CDM system, raising awareness of the trajectory status.

When the Target Start Up Approval Time (TSAT) for a trajectory is calculated, the RMU monitors A-CDM for this and adjusts resource allocations accordingly.

Manager Operations, Airport Flow (MO-AF)

The MO-AF ensures the consistent and efficient flow of aircraft, passenger, and baggage. MO-AF is the single point of contact for all matters relating to A-CDM.

The MO-AF monitors the performance of the A-CDM program. All alerts (both cautions and warnings) within the A-CDM system (such as TOBT discrepancies) are managed proactively.

The MO-AF is in contact with Aircraft Operators and/or Ground Handling Agents if there are information discrepancies (data or system) which require further updates.