Unlocking the value of slots at congested airports - How does the aviation industry ensure congestion doesn’t limit growth? 

17 January, 2019

Airport slots undoubtedly have a "value", especially at congested facilities. It is sometimes argued that unlocking that value can lead to more commercial outcomes than are achieved in most cases today. Yet there is no commonality in the way airports and governments treat slot "ownership".

As one the discussion topics at the forthcoming Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit, CAPA - Centre for Aviation will look at how the air transport industry will continue to support economic growth against a predicted doubling in passenger and a significant lack of airport capacity to meet these projections.

Issues that will be considered include:

  • The slot process is the backbone to the airline's operating at the world's most congested airports, bringing certainty and transparency to ensure schedules can be planned, connectivity built and future investment made. But is the process really able to support an industry facing a capacity crises - airport saturation.
  • Airports, airlines, slot coordinators and governments are all stakeholders when ensuring scarce airport capacity is used efficiently. Is it realistic to think these stakeholders can have common objectives that translate in to global policy? If not, what future is there for managing airport capacity that cannot meet demand, to prevent chaos and one that limits growth.
  • Airport slots are an outcome from a lack of capacity to meet demand, does the process for allocating slots ensure aviation can grow?
  • Policy objectives for growth, connectivity and consumer benefits are key, but is this feasible without large-scale airport expansion?
  • How should slot policy be regulated and developed?
  • Will radical changes to the slot process really cause widespread disruption?
  • Is this a classic case where the practical realities of the industry do not meld well with economic theory?

As the foremost authority on aviation in the world, CAPA - Centre for Aviation's events provide cutting edge knowledge about strategic market trends and dynamics to help attendees make informed decisions, delivering the information and connections needed to inspire and improve business. The Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit will take place in Doha, Qatar between 5-6 February 2019.

It is a high level forum dedicated to addressing the latest development in aviation regulation, both within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and globally. Alongside this topic, discussions will be centred around Europe's aviation relations with the world, a post Brexit world and its repercussions, North America's approach to open skies, how open skies have helped Asia's emerging markets, Africa's pathway to liberlisation with SAATM, airport privatisation and infrastructure, air cargo and industry sustainability.

It's hardly a secret that the airline industry is facing myriad challenges, notably in the marketing and distribution areas, as companies with personalised data, and the analytics and artificial intelligence to go with it, become greater threats to the stability of the traditional airline model. This event, hosted at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, is a forum for debate and discussion of strategic issues facing the aviation industry and it is attracting delegate interest from across the globe.

FIND OUT MORE… visit the Qatar Aviation Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit homepage to find out more about this not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss relevant issues impacting the aviation sector and learn meaningful insights from your industry peers.