Global ACI Data Dictionary
Advancing airport data exchanges with the ACI Data Dictionary
ACI is officially launching the ACI Data Dictionary (ACI DD)—a comprehensive set of airport terms designed to bring clarity and consistency to airport data.
A new beginning
ACI is focusing its approach on data standardization with a practical resource for the global airport community, the ACI Data Dictionary.
Created in partnership with airport practitioners, the ACI Data Dictionary is a centralized, structured, and searchable repository hosted by ACI World. It provides clear and consistent definitions for key industry terms—supporting interoperability and common understanding across airports worldwide.
To maintain the integrity of this shared reference, ACI has established a governance process. New terms are reviewed and validated by a dedicated Working Group and a cross-functional Review Group, ensuring that all contributions meet the needs of the industry and adhere to a high standard of quality.
This initiative represents a commitment to supporting data-driven transformation across the aviation sector by making data exchange simpler.
Why the ACI Data Dictionary Matters
At modern airports, operational data—such as that used during the aircraft turnaround process—often flows through multiple systems like AODB and A-CDM. Without a shared understanding of what each data element means, inconsistencies can arise, leading to integration challenges, and miscommunication.
The ACI Data Dictionary addresses this by providing a standardized set of definitions for commonly used airport data. By establishing a common language, it ensures that data is consistently defined, clearly named, and reliably structured across systems and stakeholders.
This standardization reduces errors, speeds up system integration, and enhances the real-time flow of information between airport partners. In short, the ACI Data Dictionary establishes the basis for seamless and accurate data exchange in today’s complex airport environments.
The link to the ACI DD: https://aci-standards.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ACIDD
Built on the ACI Data Dictionary: Airport Services
The ACI Data Dictionary isn’t just a reference—it’s the foundation for real-world airport services designed to solve operational challenges. By ensuring that all data exchanged is clearly defined and consistently structured, it enables airports to implement standardized services with confidence. Here are two generic examples:
Baggage handling
Airports often struggle with fragmented baggage data spread across multiple systems, leading to tracking difficulties, delays, and security vulnerabilities. With Baggage Exchange Services, airports can implement pre-defined operations for tracking, screening, and sortation—resulting in more streamlined and reliable baggage handling.
Gate assignments
Gate allocation is a common source of inefficiency due to slow and inconsistent processes. Gate Data Exchange Services empower airports to update and manage gate assignments quickly and accurately, helping to reduce delays and improve the passenger experience.
Many other services can be implemented using the Data Dictionary.
Positioning versus ICAO & IATA’s reference models
The ACI Data Dictionary is a collaborative resource developed to provide 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 World 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.
✅ IATA (AIDM, AIDX). Airline Industry Data Model (AIDM)
✅ ICAO (FIXM) Flight Information Exchange Model (FIXM)
✅ EuroControl (FIXM Extensions, AIRM) ATM Information Reference Model (AIRM)
By fostering collaboration with key industry stakeholders, we aim to establish a foundation for data exchange—eliminating ambiguity and ensuring interoperability across airport systems.
Get involved: help shape the standardization of Airport Data
The ACI Data Dictionary is a collaborative effort—built by the industry, for the industry. To ensure it continues to reflect real operational needs and remains relevant across diverse airport contexts, we invite you to take part in its development.
Join the Working Group or Review Group
Whether you're a data specialist, systems expert, information architect, or operations professional, your contribution is important. As a member of the Working Group, you’ll contribute to the creation and approval of new terms that can encourage new use cases. In the Review Group, you’ll help validate and refine submissions to maintain quality and consistency.
Be part of the movement to simplify and standardize airport data
Your expertise can help shape a more interoperable and efficient future for the aviation industry.
If you have any questions, please contact: airportit@aci.aero