The Apron Management Services Summit, held at EUROCONTROL Headquarters, gathered apron management professionals, airport operators, regulators, and industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore the future of apron management.
Representing IFISA, Oliver Wessollek (Vice President) and Katharina Denecke (Apron EDDB) participated actively in the event, promoting IFISA’s mission and highlighting the importance of apron management within the international aviation community. Since 2023, apron management personnel have formally joined the IFISA family, strengthening our role as the global voice for safety and operational excellence in airside services.
The summit covered a wide range of topics relevant to apron management today, including:
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Network Manager (NM) activities for airports
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The role of digital towers in apron operations
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The journey of the Apron Management Services (AMS) Handbook
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How ACI handbooks are developed
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Case studies on the evolution of apron management services, including experiences from Lima Airport
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Standard-setting and digital systems in apron management, with insights from Incheon Airport
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A roundtable discussion on apron management service challenges and opportunities
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Summary of actions and planning for the 2026 meeting
Each session offered valuable insights: from digital transformation in apron management, to international best practices, to the collaborative development of handbooks and standards. The roundtable discussion in particular provided an open forum where experiences were shared, underlining the importance of cooperation across borders.
For IFISA, this summit was an excellent opportunity to:
- Engage directly with apron management stakeholders
- Share the benefits of IFISA membership
- Strengthen the link between apron management and flight information services
- Contribute to discussions shaping the 2026 roadmap
By participating in events like this, IFISA ensures that the voices of apron management personnel are heard and recognized in the wider aviation landscape. Together, we continue to build a safer, more efficient, and better-connected future for apron and air traffic operations.
