ACI is advancing data standardization through 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 airport-specific definitions for key industry terms—helping ensure consistent terminology that eases data exchange consistency amongst airports.
This initiative is a step towards more consistent terminology and facilitating best practice measurement, reinforcing ACI’s commitment to data-driven collaboration.
Building a common language for airports
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 (Airline Industry Data Model) and AIRM (Air Traffic Management Information Reference Model) 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.
By fostering collaboration with key industry stakeholders, we aim to establish widely accepted data standardization—removing ambiguity and facilitating interoperability across systems and organizations.
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How terms are processed and approved
Proposal of terms
Terms can be proposed for inclusion in the ACI Data Dictionary by any contributor. Each proposed term is evaluated by the Working Group and categorized accordingly:
- If considered relevant, the term is added to the Backlog—typically as an Unprioritized item to be reviewed in due course.
- If the term is a duplicate or otherwise not suitable, it may be rejected and are then placed in Rejected terms. All rejected terms include a documented reason for the decision.
- In cases where a proposal is clearly unsuitable, it may be disregarded without further review.
All evaluations of proposed terms are carried out by the Working Group as part of a structured review process.
Processing of the backlog
The Working Group is responsible for managing and processing the backlog of proposed terms. This involves:
- Prioritizing which terms should be reviewed first, based on relevance.
- Reviewing the terms to ensure they meet the standards defined in the Term Template.
- Assessing the clarity and appropriateness of each term’s name and description.
- Preparing the terms for the next stage of review within the Internal Review Group.
Internal review
The Internal Review Group is responsible for quality control. It is composed of subject matter experts from various areas of the aviation industry. During the internal review period— lasting at least three weeks—the Review Group is tasked with reviewing and providing feedback on all terms released by the Working Group.
Following this internal review, the Working Group processes the feedback and updates the terms as needed. Once finalized, the revised terms are published for public review.
Public review
Terms will be available for public review for a minimum of two weeks. During this period, feedback from the broader community is encouraged. All comments are reviewed by the Working Group, and the terms are updated as needed. Once this process is complete, the terms are formally approved and added to the list of Approved terms.
Get involved: Help shape the standardization of airport data
We’re calling on airport professionals from all disciplines to join the effort by becoming part of the ACI Data Dictionary Review Group. Whether you're a data specialist, systems expert, information architect, or operations professional, your contribution is important.
While the ACI Data Dictionary Working Group will help define and approve new terms that drive practical use cases and innovation, the Review Group will play a crucial role in validating and refining submissions—to ensure they meet the highest standards of clarity, relevance, and consistency.
Be part of this collaborative journey to create a shared language for airports worldwide—join the ACI Data Dictionary development team today.