ACI welcomes ground-breaking amendment to ICAO standards

Airports Council International (ACI) World has welcomed a significant amendment to the ICAO standards and recommended practices which have the potential to have a transformational effect for many airports by providing for greater airfield efficiency and increases in capacity. 

The amendment, to Volume I of ICAO Annex 14 – Aerodromes, provides for a safe reduction in the minimum requirements for many important airfield dimensions, including:

• runway width
• taxiway width, and
• runway to taxiway separation.

These new standards, which come into effect on the 8th November 2018, provide the opportunity for airports to safely make changes to airfield operations to boost efficiency, reduce the potential for delays and make improvements to capacity.

The ICAO Annex 14, incorporates the Aerodrome Design and Operations, and is a comprehensive document covering standards and recommended practices for aerodrome physical characteristics, obstacle restrictions, visual aids, electrical systems, aerodrome services and maintenance. ACI has contributed significantly over the years to the enhancement of this document, through its participation in the ICAO Aerodromes Panel.

These changes will provide many airports with the capacity for the first time to accept the larger Code F aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and the Airbus 380.

The amendment was developed through comprehensive investigation, consultation and collaboration among ICAO, ACI, and many industry partners and stakeholders. They are based on years of data about the performance of aircraft and aerodrome design dimensions.

Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World said: “The amendment to Annex 14 has the potential to have a transformational effect for many airports by allowing them to safely make improvements to capacity and efficiency. ACI has been closely involved in the development of these changes and has long advocated for measures to help airports accommodate new aircraft types and boost airfield capacity and efficiency while also maintaining the highest levels of safety. We urge governments and regulators to facilitate the positive impact that these changes will have on their airports by appropriately implementing these new standards as soon as possible. I would like to thank ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu and her team, along with Member States, for their ongoing support of the airport industry as we work towards our common goal of a sustainable, successful aviation industry built upon a foundation of safety and efficiency.”

Governments and regulators around the world can apply the new guidelines from today (8th November 2018).