Slot allocation

With the failure of governments around the world to invest adequately and on a timely basis in their airports and with the increasing impact of environmental concerns on airports and related development, airlines - and thus their users - are increasingly facing difficulties because of a shortage of adequate slots to cope with demand. This has led to airlines' needs being unsatisfied and has put increasing pressure on slots at congested airports and on the slot allocation system.

Within the European Community there is an intention to develop a code of conduct or regulation on the allocation of slots between airlines. The UK Government has instituted a consultancy study on slot allocation options. The US Government has its own unique system of slot allocation. The Japanese authorities, who have for some time frozen the number of movements available at Osaka Airport, are now faced with Narita being full and have their own allocation system.

Over the years local scheduling committees have been created which follow IATA guidelines (with local interpretations) so that airlines may coordinate their requirements at slot controlled airports. Although these IATA guidelines have no legal basis, they have worked remarkably well to date and both airlines and their governments have accepted them as fair and reasonable.

Since slot allocation poses fundamental questions of aviation policy, the ICC Air Transport Committee has decided to express its view on this subject from its unique position as an organisation representing business, business users and the industry.