Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer
Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer
Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer
Opening an airport facility requires methodical ▪ Collaborating with users to develop or refine
preparation and the participation of experts to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and
ensure that it functions as designed from day one. Irregular Operating Procedures (IOPs).
This is particularly critical for airlines, as a failed or ▪ Conducting orientation and familiarization
delayed opening can lead to significant disruption, training that covers not only common facility
reputational damage, and financial losses. spaces, functions and systems, but also
An ORAT program is an effective process to individual user requirements.
support the successful introduction of new airport ▪ Performing operational trials that test the
infrastructure. An ORAT program engages airlines functionality of systems and procedures under
and other airport users early to scope real life scenarios, both individually and as part
requirements, plan and conduct preparation of an end-to-end process.
activities, and monitor progress.
▪ Ensuring that maintenance practices for new
The methodology can be applied to make a wide infrastructure are operationally validated.
range of facilities – from baggage systems and
passenger terminals to entire airports – fully ▪ Identifying and resolving deficiencies before
operational. they become a problem.
Implementing ORAT requires close collaboration ▪ Developing a relocation plan with airlines that
between a dedicated team and airport end-users, balances preferences with the efficient use of
plus a significant investment in time and resources. airport infrastructure.
An ORAT program should therefore be integrated ▪ Closing out issues and providing post-opening
into the larger project plan and safeguarded from support to ensure a smooth transition to the
delays in construction and commissioning. new facilities.
▪ Establishing a governance framework that There should be regular and ongoing consultation
gains the involvement and commitment of all between the airport and airlines early in the project
users. and prior to any activation phase. Early
engagement will help ensure that the new facility is
▪ Consulting with airlines and others to identify designed to meet airlines’ operational requirements
requirements and define operational concepts and incorporates any planned new technologies.
that incorporate the users’ mode of operations.