Definition of an airport slot
The Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) defines an airport slot:
“An airport slot (or ‘slot’) is a permission given by a coordinator for a planned operation to use the full range of airport infrastructure necessary to arrive or depart at a Level 3 airport on a specific date and time.”
Airlines must be allocated a slot to operate at airports where demand to use the airport significantly exceeds the airport capability (Level 3). With a slot in hand, airlines can seamlessly navigate through the airport’s infrastructure, from runway and apron usage to passenger processing, ensuring efficient operations and timely flights.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that a slot isn’t merely a formality—it’s a commitment. Airlines must meticulously plan their operations around the allocated slot, while airport operators must ensure that all necessary facilities are primed and ready. Any deviation risks delay and disruption across the airport ecosystem, airline networks and causes poor passenger experiences.
When is a slot not a slot?
One of the most common misconceptions is that an airport slot and an Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) slot are the same. Their purpose to manage demand and to maximize the efficiency of an airport system is the same, but ATFM slots are an operational demand management tool, predominantly concerned with the movement of aircraft. An airport slot is a planning demand management tool, concerned with the use of all areas of the airport facility required by an airline operation.
Moreover, not all airport slots are created equal. Airlines have unique operational requirements, ranging from varying ground times to specialised terminal and apron preferences. This diversity adds layers of complexity:
- Differing ground times based upon the aircraft type, passenger and freight connectivity with other services, the availability of crew, or the availability of airport slots at the other end of the route.
- Passenger terminal and apron preferences.
- Freight operators require access to cargo facilities and suitable apron parking.
- General Aviation and Business Aviation (GABA) typically require access to dedicated GABA facilities.
- Demand is not linear and differs across markets, resulting in schedule fragmentation and the need for airport facilities on some days and not others.
The list goes on and demonstrates the complexity that can quickly emerge when the needs of airline and aircraft operators can differ so widely. An airport slot is therefore a permission or a right to use an airport in a particular way, but airport slots cannot be assumed to be interchangeable.
Navigating Slot Interchangeability
Airport slots are freely swapped between airlines at airports globally with the advantage of airlines being able to secure more efficient slot times. Slot transfers may also take place from one airline to another, resulting in the rights to operate being passed to another airline on a temporary or permanent basis. However, the movement of a slot can never be assumed.
Since slot permissions are based upon variable considerations, the applicability of a slot must always be assessed by an airport slot coordinator to check the viability of a change in the intended use of a slot.