Slot Guidelines

Authors: Hanna Schebesta and Giovanni Sartor
European University Institute

Abstract: This case study explores the Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG), which represent a set of agreements made under the auspices of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in order to allocate airport capacity. The right to use airport capacity for the purpose of takeoff and landing operations at airports is commonly called slots, with each airport having a finite amount of airport capacity. Thus, the slot allocation process is one of resource management: the WSG were developed as a global industry standard to address a key constraint in the aviation domain. The actual process of slot allocation is complex and involves organizations and stakeholders at multiple levels, all falling under the umbrella of IATA, a trade association representing 240 airlines. It designates particularly congested airports, creates roles of airport coordinators, and establishes management principles for slot allocation. Because they manage a valuable economic resource, the transparency and independence of coordinators is of particular concern: this has resulted in the institutionalization of a negotiating process to ensure accountability among key stakeholders. Through an examination of the history and key points of change in the process, the WSG case presents an example of private sector coordinated resource management.

Slot Allocation Guidelines

The guidelines, posted late Friday on the control board’s website, include a seven-page document for nonrestricted licensees and a four-page notice for restricted licencees — those with 15 or fewer.

Iata Slot Guidelines

Coordination is also a process to maximize the efficient use of airport infrastructure. This course will help you learn how to allocate and coordinate airport slots by applying the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), the accepted global standard for the policies, principles, and procedures of airport slot management. The slots are allocated solely by independent coordinators and airlines must use 80 per cent of their allocated slots, or risk losing them in the years following. This is known as the 'use it or lose it' rule. EU rules also promote the access of new airlines to airports. In 2004 additional rules were introduced by the EU. Position Papers The Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), provide the industry with a single set of guidelines for airport slot management and allocation. The slot planning process is the essential back bone to allow the industry to plan operations to the world’s most congested airports, avoiding what would otherwise be chaos. Only select slot machines and table games will be available to adhere to the CDC’s safe social distancing guidance/state guidelines (staying 6 feet apart). Only select slot machines and limited table games seating is available. The Poker Room will remain closed at this time.