ACI releases new tool to help airports increase passenger capacity

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The Airports Council International (ACI) World recently released its new Static Capacity Tool, which aims to help airports increase capacity as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It allows airports to assess queue length and time and breaking points, focusing on the challenges arising from physical distancing and evaluating the level of resource and equipment needed. It uses average cycle times throughout process points to generate an overall queue time.

The tool focuses on terminal process points, including boarding, baggage reclaim, security, check-in, emigration, and immigration. It evaluates the impact of adding more process points to address additional health checks and evaluates additional space or queuing requirements needed due to physical distancing measures.

Non-technical airport employees can use the tool.

Redwater Consulting Group, an ACI business partner, developed the tool.

“ACI World is determined to provide new guidance and innovative tools to support our airport members as the industry continues to navigate a recovery from the impact and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said. “We wanted to assist airports in their determination to provide an efficient, safe, and seamless passenger journey while meeting all physical distancing and other COVID-19 expectations and requirements.”