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What is the ACI Data Dictionary

What is the ACI Data Dictionary



What is the https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD

Developed in collaboration with airport experts, thehttps://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD is a centralized, searchable, structured repository hosted by ACI World. It provides clear and consistent definitions for key industry terms—supporting interoperability and a common understanding across airports worldwide.

Background

The https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD began as an ACI project trying to define typical interfaces for an AODB (Airport Operational Database). It quickly became obvious that having a data dictionary with all relevant terms would greatly simplify the project. A sub-group of the Virtual AODB project then started defining terms, and this then became the https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD. The ACI Data Dictionary provides value by ensuring that data exchanged at airports—such as information used in the turnaround process, often sourced from multiple systems like AODB and ACDM—is consistently defined, clearly named, and reliably structured.

Common term definitions accelerate integration and facilitate the exchange of information across airport- and partners systems. It’s the foundation that makes accurate data sharing easier in today’s complex airport environments.

Initial outlook

The ACI Data Dictionary is an evolving resource designed to support the integration and interoperability of airport-oriented systems. Our goal is to define a common set of terms that can be used across the aviation industry to ensure consistency, improve communication, and streamline data exchange.

In our first year, we aim to establish a solid foundation by approving 200 to 250 key terms commonly used in airport systems and databases. Over the next three to five years, we plan to grow the dictionary to include approximately 1,500 approved terms, covering a wide range of airport operations and data domains.

Each year, we expect to review and approve 200 to 300 additional terms. These terms are carefully defined and reviewed through a collaborative process to ensure they meet the needs of diverse airport stakeholders..

Please note that unapproved terms are subject to change—including their name, description, or category—as they go through the review and approval process

Relationship to other standards and organizations.

The ACI Data Dictionary is a collaborative resource developed to provide clear, airport-specific terminology that supports airport operations and services. It complements existing models like AIDM and AIRM by focusing on practical, airport-driven use cases. Maintained by ACI and its members, it promotes consistency through reference to existing standards, engages with industry bodies for alignment, and ensures efficiency by building on established frameworks—enhancing, not replacing, the broader aviation data ecosystem. Please find more information here: https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD/pages/17703480.

Support for the https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD

Be part of the ACI Data Dictionary Working Group or Review Group and help define the standards that drive global data exchange. Collaborate with industry peers, share your expertise to make an impact.

Help build meaningful services. We invite you to have a look at the parties currently involved.https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD/pages/17694756