El Dorado becomes first airport in Latin America to implement A-CDM system

El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá has become the first airport in Latin America to implement an Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system. This initiative, undertaken by airport operator OPAIN in partnership with the leading transport technology provider SITA, marks a significant step in collaborative airport management within the region.

By improving real-time data sharing among airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, the A-CDM system allows for more accurate aircraft turnaround time predictions. This increased coordination leads to more efficient use of ground resources and runway slots, helping reduce delays, cut fuel consumption, and improve on-time performance.

El Dorado has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, positioning us as one of Latin America’s busiest airports,” said Natali Leal, CEO of OPAIN. “This rapid expansion brings challenges in maintaining operational efficiency and punctuality. Implementing the A-CDM system allows us to address these challenges head-on by having better coordination among all stakeholders. This collaborative approach is essential for strengthening the passenger experience and making sure our growth is sustainable"

At El Dorado, the implementation integrates SITA’s Collaborative Decision-Making tools, including the Pre-Departure Sequencer (PDS), Airport Management System (AMS), and Operations Manager. These tools collectively contribute to a more streamlined and efficient airport operation.

Airports across Latin America are navigating a landscape of rapid growth and increasing complexity,” added Shawn Gregor, President of SITA Americas. “Regional air traffic is expected to reach 773 million passengers by the end of 2024, a 5.5% increase over the previous year, according to ACI-LAC. With this, there’s an urgent need for solutions that strengthen efficiency and resilience. Technologies like A-CDM are key in meeting these demands, allowing airports to optimize operations, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall travel experience. Supporting El Dorado in setting a new standard for airport management is a big step for both the airport and the region as a whole"

The A-CDM system has already shown strong results in European airports, where it has delivered estimated annual savings of 360,000 kg of fuel, reduced delays by 2,000 minutes per year, and cut taxiing times by 26,300 minutes. It has also improved the ability to forecast operating conditions, reduced air traffic flow management (ATFM) slot waste, and enhanced pre-takeoff planning, helping airports operate more smoothly and efficiently.

A-CDM has already proven its value at major airports in Europe. According to EUROCONTROL, it helped improve the accuracy of take-off times, cutting the average gap between planned and actual departure from 14 minutes to just 5–7 minutes. This level of predictability keeps flights flowing more smoothly through the skies and helps avoid bottlenecks. In fact, thanks to this improved coordination, air traffic control can handle up to 3.5% more flights in busy airspace. As more airports join the system, they unlock around 80% of the full capacity benefits available, making day-to-day operations more efficient and resilient.

El Dorado Airport connects Bogotá to 108 domestic and international destinations and plays a vital role in regional connectivity. With its "El Dorado Max" expansion project, the airport aims to increase its capacity to 65 million passengers per year, reinforcing its position as a key aviation hub in South America.