Co-located: Glossary of Aviation and Business Applications

Definition of Co-located

Co-located refers to the arrangement where two or more entities—such as people, teams, systems, or resources—are situated within the same physical space. In aviation, co-location means operational staff, technical systems, infrastructure, and resources are grouped at an airport, air traffic control center, or maintenance facility to enable in-person communication, direct collaboration, and efficient resource sharing. ICAO recognizes co-location as a core principle in the design of integrated airport operations, collaborative decision-making (CDM), and modern air traffic management (ATM) systems. In IT and business, co-location can refer to servers housed in the same data center or business units sharing office space for synergy. The essence is facilitating real-time interaction and overcoming the barriers of physical separation.

Application of Co-location in Aviation Operations

At major airports, co-location is fundamental to Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), Airport Operations Centers (APOCs), and CDM environments. Representatives from airlines, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), ground handling, and airport authorities are physically co-located in operations centers to foster joint situational awareness and immediate decision-making. This is especially crucial during irregular operations, such as severe weather, congestion, or emergencies.

ICAO’s Manual on Collaborative Air Traffic Flow Management (Doc 9971) highlights the effectiveness of co-locating ATFM units and operational stakeholders for optimized traffic flows and resource management.

Co-located teams use shared data displays, direct verbal communication, and instant feedback loops to coordinate flight schedules, gate assignments, de-icing, and passenger handling in real time. This reduces delays, mitigates misunderstandings, and enables swift disruption resolution.

Co-located Systems in Air Traffic Management (ATM)

In ATM, co-location often means placing critical systems and equipment—like radar processing units, communication switches, and flight data processors—within the same facility. This ensures redundancy, security, and rapid maintenance access.

ICAO’s Manual of Air Traffic Services Data Link Applications (Doc 9694) notes that co-located systems benefit from reduced latency, improved reliability, and streamlined troubleshooting, as technicians and operators collaborate instantly on-site.

Technical co-location minimizes data loss risk, enhances failover capabilities, and supports business continuity planning for ANSPs.

Co-located Personnel in Airport Operations

ICAO recommends physically co-locating personnel for optimal airport operations and crisis response. In an APOC, airline, airport management, security, customs, immigration, and ground handling representatives are stationed together. This allows for immediate multi-agency consultation, rapid decisions, and unified messaging.

ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) identifies co-located staffing as essential for Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), reliant on real-time information sharing and joint planning.

Co-located teams conduct briefings, monitor shared dashboards, and use joint communication channels to coordinate aircraft movements, manage turnarounds, and handle disruptions, leading to increased efficiency and enhanced passenger experience.

Co-location in Aviation Security

Aviation security is enhanced by co-locating security screening, law enforcement, and intelligence units within airport terminals or control rooms. This fosters rapid information flow, coordinated incident response, and a unified security posture.

ICAO’s Aviation Security Manual (Doc 8973) advocates for co-located security teams to facilitate joint threat assessments, real-time surveillance monitoring, and immediate response to evolving threats.

Integrated security technologies, like video analytics and biometric access, further strengthen layered security architectures.

Co-location in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)

In MRO, co-location consolidates engineering teams, parts inventories, and technical documentation in a shared hangar or facility.

ICAO’s Manual of Aircraft Ground De-icing/Anti-icing Operations (Doc 9640) recommends co-located MRO teams for streamlined workflow between mechanics, engineers, and logistics.

Co-located MRO teams respond quickly to maintenance needs, access parts efficiently, and resolve technical issues face-to-face, reducing aircraft downtime and improving turnaround times.

Co-location and Collaborative Decision Making (CDM)

CDM thrives on co-location. When stakeholders—airlines, ATC, ground handlers, airport operations—are co-located, real-time information exchange, shared situational awareness, and consensus-based problem-solving are possible.

ICAO’s Manual on Collaborative Decision-Making (Doc 9971) describes co-location as a catalyst for effective CDM.

Co-location eliminates communication barriers, enables immediate alignment of priorities, and supports unified responses to disruptions.

Co-location in Aviation Training and Simulation

Aviation training centers often co-locate simulators, classrooms, briefing rooms, and instructor offices. This creates an integrated learning environment for seamless transitions between theory, practice, and debriefing.

ICAO’s Manual on Air Traffic Controller Competency-based Training and Assessment (Doc 10056) highlights co-located training for peer interaction and collaborative learning.

Scenario-based exercises in co-located settings strengthen team communication and ensure consistent procedures.

Co-location of Emergency Response Teams

Effective emergency planning relies on co-locating fire, medical, airport emergency, and police teams within or near airport premises.

ICAO’s Airport Services Manual Part 7: Airport Emergency Planning (Doc 9137) recommends establishing an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with physically present representatives from all key agencies.

This ensures real-time information sharing, joint decision-making, and coordinated resource deployment during incidents.

Co-location in Aviation Research and Innovation

Aviation research parks and innovation hubs use co-location models to bring together industry, academia, start-ups, and regulators.

EASA and ICAO encourage co-located research clusters for interdisciplinary collaboration, technology transfer, and rapid prototyping.

Shared labs, testbeds, and demonstration facilities accelerate the development and commercialization of new aviation technologies.

Co-located Data Centers in Aviation IT Infrastructure

In aviation IT, co-location means hosting multiple organizations’ servers and infrastructure in a single, secure data center.

ICAO’s Manual on the Digital Transformation of the Air Transport System underscores the importance of co-located IT infrastructure for business continuity, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity.

Co-located data centers support real-time data sharing and operational resilience.

Co-location vs. Remote and Distributed Models

Advantages of Co-located Arrangements in Aviation

• Enhanced Communication: Face-to-face interaction reduces misunderstandings and enables rapid clarifications.
• Faster Decision-Making: Immediate access to cross-functional expertise for quick consensus.
• Improved Situational Awareness: Real-time data displays and shared dashboards foster a common operating picture.
• Stronger Team Cohesion: Physical proximity builds trust and alignment.
• Streamlined Resource Allocation: Centralized management minimizes duplication and increases efficiency.
• Robust Security and Oversight: On-site supervision and access controls ease compliance.

Challenges and Limitations of Co-location

• Space and Infrastructure Costs: Significant investment in real estate and amenities.
• Limited Flexibility: Bound to specific locations and hours.
• Restricted Talent Pool: Staffing limited to local or commuting personnel.
• Potential for Distractions: Busy environments may hinder focus.
• Scalability Constraints: Expansion may require costly new space.
• Disaster Vulnerability: Single-site risk exposure requires robust contingency planning.

Best Practices for Effective Co-location in Aviation

• Thoughtful Facility Design: Modular workspaces and ergonomic layouts support collaboration and focus.
• Integrated Technology: Shared systems and dashboards streamline workflow.
• Joint Training and Drills: Cross-agency exercises foster teamwork for emergencies.
• Clear Role Definitions: Prevents confusion during high-pressure situations.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Incorporate hybrid models where possible.
• Continuous Improvement: Feedback and after-action reviews refine processes.

Examples of Co-location in Aviation Practice

Integrated Airport Operations Center (APOC)

Major hubs like London Heathrow and Singapore Changi co-locate airlines, airport ops, ATC, ground handling, and security under one roof, enabling real-time coordination and resilience.

Co-located ATC and Meteorological Services

Meteorological officers and controllers share Area Control Centers in some countries, allowing immediate weather updates for safer, more efficient routing.

Maintenance Hangar Operations

Airlines co-locate engineering, logistics, and quality teams in maintenance hangars, streamlining aircraft turnaround and compliance checks.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Airports

Airports like LAX and Dubai International co-locate fire, medical, management, and police teams in EOCs for unified command during major incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions: Co-location in Aviation

What is the primary benefit of co-locating operational teams at an airport?
Enhanced coordination and faster decision-making during both routine and emergency situations, improving safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.

Can co-location be combined with virtual collaboration tools?
Yes, digital dashboards and video conferencing can supplement in-person collaboration for hybrid operations.

How does co-location support regulatory compliance?
Physical proximity eases oversight, auditability, and rapid implementation of regulatory or procedural changes.

What risks are associated with co-location?
Risks include higher costs, vulnerability to localized disruptions, and limits on workforce diversity and flexibility.

Case Study: Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) Implementation

At Frankfurt Airport, A-CDM was implemented by co-locating airlines, ATC, ground handling, and airport authorities in a joint operations center. This enabled real-time flight status, turnaround, and resource data exchange, resulting in reduced taxi-out times, improved punctuality, and better resilience to weather disruptions. The success has influenced ICAO and EUROCONTROL CDM guidelines worldwide.

Related Terms

• Distributed Operations: Personnel and systems spread across multiple locations, coordinated digitally.
• Remote Work: Duties performed from outside the central facility, enabled by technology.
• Co-location Facility (Data Center): Shared building for IT infrastructure with robust security and connectivity.
• Hybrid Work Model: Mix of co-located and remote work.
• Centralized Operations: Functions consolidated at a single site for command and control.

ICAO Guidance on Co-location

ICAO documentation emphasizes co-location as a strategic enabler for integrated airport and airspace management. The Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP), Manual on Collaborative Air Traffic Flow Management (Doc 9971), and Manual on Airport Collaborative Decision Making (Doc 9971) all prescribe co-location of key stakeholders to achieve seamless, data-driven, and agile aviation systems.

Real-World Trends and Future of Co-location in Aviation

Digital transformation, UAS integration, and increased airspace complexity are driving renewed interest in both co-location and hybrid models. While remote collaboration tools are advancing, high-stakes aviation operations still require co-location for core functions. Future airport designs may feature flexible, modular co-location spaces and advanced info-sharing platforms to support both centralized and distributed teams.

Conclusion

Co-location in aviation and business means physically grouping personnel, resources, and systems to maximize efficiency, communication, and operational effectiveness. It is indispensable for airport management, ATC, emergency response, and maintenance, where real-time coordination is paramount. As aviation evolves, balancing co-location’s benefits with the flexibility of digital and distributed models will be key to resilience, safety, and excellence.