Airports increasingly face pressure to optimize throughput, reduce delays and maintain high safety margins amid growing aircraft movements, constrained infrastructure and shifting traffic patterns. AMS provides a framework to decentralize surface control functions from traditional ATC units while maintaining full accountability and operational efficiency within the apron area. The panel will explore how, by delineating responsibility for apron surface operations from runway and airspace control, AMS allows for more flexible, scalable resource deployment. It also reduces dependence on scarce ATCO resources, while empowering dedicated AMS officers with tailored training and tools suited to the unique demands of apron management.

• Conceptual foundations and modes of operation
• Business case considerations and implementation strategies
• Governance, performance metrics and regulatory compliance
• Human factors, training and certification
• Technology infrastructure and digital enablers