ABOUT US
Our Services
The Dubai Airline Operators Committee (AOC) is an association of airline companies operating schedule or seasonal services to, from, or via Dubai Airports (DXB/DWC). This is in accordance with the “Guidelines for the Establishment of Airline Operators Committees” recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Dubai AOC Responsibilities
In the intricate ecosystem of international air travel, the seamless facilitation of airport operations is paramount. This encompasses the efficient management of passenger and crew clearance, along with the meticulous handling of baggage, cargo, and aircraft. To achieve this, the establishment of Dubai Airline Operators Committees (AOCs) is imperative for our members. This collaboration ensures a cohesive approach to addressing operational challenges and leveraging opportunities for improvement.
The Dubai AOC is tasked with critical responsibilities, including:
Identifying and Resolving Operational Impediments
Proactively identifying challenges that hinder airport operations, whether due to local infrastructure, facilities, or regulations. This involves a continuous assessment of needs for the development of these resources, aiming to engage with the relevant stakeholder (Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, DNATA, Dubai Police, GDRFA, Dubai Customs and Dubai Air Navigation Services) to implement necessary actions.
Maintaining Integrity of Industry Rules:
Ensuring any modifications to industry regulations, introduced to alleviate local challenges, adhere to the original spirit of these rules. facilitating a standardized approach across the board.
Enhancing Air Navigation and Ground Services:
Collaborating closely with stakeholders, to address matters pertaining to air navigation facilities, operations, and services. This includes making available qualified specialists from the operating airlines to provide expert consultation and advice to local authorities as needed.
Supporting Airport Development Initiatives:
Engaging in dialogue regarding medium to long-term airport development programs, focusing on the enhancement of passenger, cargo, and aircraft handling. Specialists from the operating airlines will offer their expertise to local authorities, under the guidance of the AOC ensuring that all developmental changes consider their impact on operational charges.
Furthermore, the establishment of Airport Consultative Committees (ACC) facilitates a structured forum for discussing strategic development matters, complementing the AOCs’ focus on operational immediacies.
For comprehensive guidelines and best practices, refer to the IATA Airport Development Reference Manual. This document serves as a cornerstone for our collective efforts in advancing airport operations, ensuring our shared vision of streamlined, efficient, and passenger-centric air travel becomes a reality.
Together, through the diligent work of AOCs and ACCs, we continue to pave the way for operational excellence at Dubai Airport, reinforcing its status as a leading facilitator of global aviation.
Dubai Airline Operators Committee (AOC) Deliberations and Mission:
As we continue to forge the path toward excellence in aviation, the discussions within our AOC are pivotal in shaping the future of airport operations in Dubai. Our agenda encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, each critical to enhancing the efficiency, safety, and passenger experience at our airport. These deliberations are not exhaustive but highlight our commitment to comprehensive oversight and continuous improvement in key areas:
Terminals and Infrastructure
We will review with open dialogue the current state and planned upgrades of terminals and the integration of advanced systems to streamline operations and enhance passenger flow with stakeholders.
Local Air Traffic and Ground Circulation Management
Addressing with open dialogue with stakeholders the complexities of air traffic and ground movement to minimize delays and optimize efficiency will be a primary focus, ensuring a smooth operation for airlines and a pleasant experience for passengers.
Accessibility to Airport and Facilities
We aim to enhance with open dialogue with stakeholders the accessibility of the airport and its buildings, including car ports, to ensure seamless entry and exit for passengers and efficient operations for AOC member airlines and ground services.
Apron, Taxiways, and Runways Condition
The maintenance and operational conditions of these critical areas are fundamental for the safety and efficiency of aircraft movements. We'll assess, review with open dialogue current conditions and discuss improvement strategies with stakeholders.
Airport Development from a User’s Perspective
Our discussions will encompass landside, airside, and airport building developments from the viewpoint of our users - the passengers. This includes assessing, developing, reviewing, recommending with open dialogue with stakeholders’ current projects and future plans to ensure they meet the evolving needs of travelers and AOC member airlines.
Adherence to International Standards
The local implementation of international standards and recommended practices, as outlined in Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ICAO Type B Recommendations, AOC member airline policies will be evaluated. We will also consider any differences (reservations) filed by local authorities and their impact on operations.
Other Airport Services
Our discussions with open dialogue with stakeholders will extend to other essential airport services not previously mentioned, ensuring that every aspect of airport operation is covered to provide a holistic approach to improvement. We understand the industry is very dynamic and prone to regular changes and updates.
Our mission extends beyond the operational aspects; it encompasses a vision for Dubai Airport to be a world leader in providing a seamless, safe, and enjoyable travel experience. By addressing these critical areas, we are not only enhancing the operational landscape but also setting new benchmarks for passenger satisfaction and safety in aviation.
We look forward to productive deliberations and impactful outcomes from our collective expertise and dedication to excellence.
Collaborative Discussions on Airport Operations and Charges at Dubai Airport
Dubai AOC is renowned for its unwavering commitment to maintaining an open and collaborative environment with all our airline partners and stakeholders. The Dubai Airlines Operators Committee (AOC) plays a pivotal role in facilitating constructive dialogues between member airlines and stakeholders, ensuring that all contractual matters, particularly those pertaining to airport charges and capital expenditure programs, are addressed with transparency and mutual respect.
Airport Charges and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programs
At the heart of our operations, we understand that major Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) initiatives are essential for the continuous improvement and expansion of our airport facilities. These programs, while crucial for enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency, have a direct impact on the level of airport charges. To manage this effectively:
Communication with AOC member airlines
The Dubai AOC member airlines, that are authorized by their respected airlines to discuss contractual matters, are responsible for reporting all significant CAPEX programs, Service increases….etc applied to them to the AOC to discuss with open dialogue with stakeholders. This ensures a structured approach to handling the financial implications of these developments.
Formal Consultations
AOC, in coordination with the relevant member airline representatives, will arrange formal consultations with stakeholders. This collaborative framework guarantees that all parties are adequately informed and involved in discussions regarding the impact of CAPEX programs on airport charges.
Proposed Changes to Airport Charges
In addition to CAPEX discussions, the Dubai AOC is instrumental in communicating any proposed changes to the structure or level of airport charges. This process involves:
Notifying AOC member airlines
Proposed alterations to airport charges are communicated by stakeholders to the Dubai AOC initiating a coordinated response to AOC member airlines.
Engaging Stakeholders
Through the AOC, stakeholders will coordinate with member airline representatives to arrange formal consultations through open dialogue with stakeholders. This ensures that any changes are made with comprehensive insights and consensus from all involved stakeholders and transparency with AOC member airlines.
Strategic Planning and Collaborative Efforts at Dubai Airports
Dubai Airport is dedicated to excellence and innovation in all aspects of our operations. Central to this commitment is the strategic planning that guides our development and ensures we remain at the forefront of global aviation. This includes the meticulous crafting and regular updating of our Airport Master Plan, which outlines our short to medium-term development objectives and a detailed growth programme.
Collaborative Oversight by the Dubai Airlines Operators Committee (AOC)
The role of the Dubai Airlines Operators Committee (AOC) is instrumental in this planning process. The AOC ensures that Dubai Airport’s Master Plan remains a living document, reflective of the evolving needs of the airport, its users, and stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:
Ensuring Updated Planning
The Dubai AOC oversees that the airport authority consistently updates the Airport Master Plan alongside the rolling growth programme and regularly updates the same to AOC member airlines. This oversight guarantees that Dubai Airport's infrastructure and services align with the highest international standards and future passenger and airline needs.
Engagement with Committees
Effective liaison with the local Baggage Committee and other specialized committees is a cornerstone of the AOC's responsibilities. This ensures a holistic approach to airport development, incorporating diverse insights and expertise.
Specialized Sub-committees and Groups
Recognizing the complexity of airport operations, the Dubai AOC may establish permanent or ad hoc sub-committees, task forces, or working groups. These entities focus on specific areas of development or operation, such as the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC) or local Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) working groups, bringing specialized expertise to tackle intricate challenges.
Recommendations for Improvement
A critical function of the Dubai AOC is to identify areas of substandard performance and recommend corrective actions. This proactive approach ensures continuous improvement and adherence to the highest operational standards.
