Airport Capacity Management and Slot Coordination
PDC SCORE
PDC SCORE is the world-leading software for long-term Airport Capacity Management and Slot Coordination. In addition, the system supports long-term planning of slots at facilitated and coordinated airports.
We deliver a solution that helps airports respond to changes in supply and demand and, at the same time, guide airport slot usage toward optimal capacity outcomes.
Performance and Flexibility – The SCORE workspace offers full-screen flexibility in both multi-user and single-user environments. In addition, SCORE validates SCR requests quickly, even when handling large amounts of data. For example, it typically processes each SCR validation, including multiple arrivals and departures, within just a few seconds.
Furthermore, the system automatically downloads, reads, and sends emails in IATA SSIM format (SCR, GCR, SAQ, SIR, WCR, WIR). This enables efficient handling of large volumes of slot requests. Users can also edit schedules manually, and the system then generates the response message. As a result, rules and automation significantly reduce the risk of human error.
Finally, user-defined reports and a wide range of interactive graphical charts give coordinators the information they need to make informed decisions.
Why Select PDC's Airport Capacity Management and
Slot Coordination?
- Full compliance with IATA SSIM Chapter 6 procedures and in adherence with WASG
- Reads and writes SSIM messages automatically, reducing human input errors and allows auto-allocation on a 24/7. Special procedures can be applied to out of office hours.
- Rules and constraints can be defined in the user interface, no need for manual checks.
- Automatic monitoring matching for check slot usage, on time performance and wastage.
- Separate operational and historical schedules with automated reconstruction.
“We coordinate 4 Level 3 Portuguese airports, each with unique operational conditions and constraints. SCORE has enabled us to accommodate these differences and implement solutions that meet the specific requirements of each airport.”
NAV Portugal
What is PDC SCORE – schedule data and scenario analysis
PDC SCORE is not only a slot coordination tool; it also provides airport capacity management departments with a powerful platform for schedule analysis and scenario planning.
Furthermore, PDC SCORE manages multiple schedule versions, which users can easily import, edit, and compare. In addition to live and historical schedules, airport planners can work with forecast schedules or revenue-based schedules to evaluate future scenarios and business opportunities.
Moreover, PDC SCORE allows users to maintain different versions of terminal allocations and operational constraints. As a result, planners can quickly assess the impact of airline relocations to new or alternative terminals. Likewise, they can evaluate the operational effects of temporary gate or parking stand closures before implementing changes.
How is airport capacity management and slot coordination performed using PDC SCORE?
PDC SCORE’s primary function is to support the efficient allocation and management of scarce airport slots while ensuring compliance with capacity limits.
1. Airport Capacity Management
The system loads the airport’s declared capacity limits for key resources, such as runway capacity, passenger flow limits, parking and gate capacity, and noise quotas. Furthermore, it can manage these limits either in combination or separately, depending on operational requirements. In addition, the system often applies rolling factors to align capacity assessments with specific government regulations.
2. Slot Request Processing (SCR Validation)
Airlines submit Slot Clearance Requests (SCRs) for their desired arrival and departure times in the upcoming season. Upon receipt, SCORE evaluates these requests almost instantly against predefined capacity limits. Subsequently, the system presents the load situation to coordinators in both graphical and textual formats. As a result, coordinators can quickly identify flights that exceed capacity limits and make informed decisions.
3. Offer Generation and Coordination
When an airport resource is not available at the requested time, the system automatically searches for and generates alternative slot offers before and after the requested time. It then tracks all offers and confirmations to prevent overbooking. Furthermore, the system supports online coordination, enabling real-time slot changes and direct communication with airlines. As a result, coordinators can respond more quickly to changing conditions while maintaining full control over slot availability.
4. Historical Precedence and Allocation
The system takes historical rights into account. When it allocates slots, it prioritises requests from carriers that have historically used the slots, in line with IATA rules. During the initial submission period, the system recognises historical rights, modifications, and new requests.
5. Visualisation and Overview
The system provides extensive graphical views, including color-coded charts, histograms, and Gantt charts. Coordinators can view confirmed, requested, and offered traffic loads simultaneously against capacity limits. This gives a clear and continuous overview of the airport’s operational load situation.
Which airport capacity management and slot coordination features are included with PDC SCORE?
PDC SCORE comes ready to use and is a highly customisable system with many personalisation options for the user.
The system is highly configurable for airports of all sizes. Multiple airports are configured to the individual airports requirements.
In addition, PDC SCORE is a multi-user, client/server system.
The core program is the “PDC SCORE Kernel”, which is the basis of all configurations.
It consists of:
- The PDC SCORE Server with basic data tables and the schedule database for the airports / seasons
- A PDC SCORE Client with all coordination functionality
Each airport has it’s own resource and constraint challenges. PDC SCORE can be configured to fit the needs each airport’s requirements by selecting the appropriate modules needed.
A basic coordination system handling an airport with runway constraint can be configured using:
- PDC SCORE Kernel,
- Runway Module
A high-end solution configured with:
- PDC SCORE Kernel
- Runway Module
- Paxflow Module
- Report Module
- Enquiry Module
- Enterprise Module adds advanced functions for safely reallocating cancelled historical slots safely for adhoc purposes, advanced comparisons of schedules and what-if scenarios etc.
How is the PDC SCORE setup?
Hardware Configuration
All data reside centrally on a database server, which also handles external communication. As a result, each user can access the same up-to-date information through the network.
When an airport/season combination opens on a client, the server automatically transfers the most relevant data between users and the database to ensure fast access. Users do not store data changes locally. Instead, the system sends all updates directly to the database server, which then distributes the updated information to all relevant workstations. Consequently, this approach ensures data consistency at all times.
Furthermore, PDC SCORE runs on standard PC hardware with either Windows Server or Windows OS. Clients and server communicate via TCP/IP over a standard network, while the system uses a Microsoft SQL Server database.
In addition, the system includes an email interface that receives slot requests and sends responses. Moreover, it can connect to the Telex system when required.
PDC SCORE serves as the definitive source of schedule data and often connects to an Airport Operational Database (AODB) to support day-of-operation activities.
Finally, customers use PDC SCORE at all semi-annual IATA Schedules Conferences. During these events, users can either access a common server remotely or run PDC SCORE on a single laptop computer, depending on operational requirements.
Local or Hosted
PDC SCORE can be accessed:
- As an on-premises installed version.
- As a service by way of a hosted version where the entire installation is in a hosting providers secured server environment.
Can all constraints be met with PDC SCORE?
When specific constraints are required, PDC SCORE can be configured with these extra “Add-On” modules. See the entire list below. If you want to learn more about how we set up these modules for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
- Enterprise Server
- Runway capacity
- Parking capacity
- Gate capacity
- Passenger flow limitations
- Check-In desks capacity
- Quota calculations
- Slot monitoring
- Advanced Reports
- Enquiry
- SWAP
- Dashboard
- Automatic Message Processing (AMP) – Advanced
- Replicate
- Online Coordination
Why select PDC as a supplier?
- First introduced to the market in 1989, PDC SCORE is a proven product and continues to be enhanced to meet the latest changes and challenges.
- Today, 64% of IATA level 2 & 3 airports are coordinated using PDC SCORE, by coordinators in 58 countries facilitating 650+ airports.
- Join the PDC SCORE User Group meetings for presentations on updates and make suggestions for enhancements. Exchange of ideas and working practices with our Slot Coordination experts and users.
- We understand the complete process for airlines, airports, ground handlers and have experienced slot coordinators around the world.
- Dedicated development team and support staff.
SCORE User Group Meeting
Customers of the PDC SCORE are automatically part of the PDC SCORE Community, which includes yearly user
group meetings.
PDC AI ASSIST
A powerful new generative AI assistant designed to eliminate the hassle of flipping through manuals, it provides a brand-new way to master SCORE.
Standalone vs Integration
PDC SCORE can be used a as standalone solution or it can be integrated directly with an Airport Operational Database.
Accelerated ”Go-Live”
We can get you live on 2 weeks from signing the contract. Contingent on your internal resources.