Opening a new or expanded airport is one of the most complex operational challenges an organisation can face. Without a structured Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme, several critical mistakes can undermine a successful opening.
André Schunck, Senior Manager International Training at Munich AirportAcademy shares insights from his extensive work experience as a Senior ORAT expert.
c: Munich Airport
1. Opening before the airport is truly ready
One of the most common mistakes is opening to passengers before systems, people and processes are fully prepared. Construction completion is often mistaken for operational readiness. ORAT ensures clear readiness criteria, go/no-go decision points, and formal assurance that all operational requirements – safety, security, systems and staffing – are met before opening day.
2. Poorly trained staff facing live operations
Airports rely on thousands of staff from multiple organisations working together seamlessly. Without structured training and familiarisation, staff may not understand new layouts, systems, or procedures. ORAT programmes coordinate role-based training, trials and simulations so employees are confident and competent before passengers arrive, reducing errors and service failures.
3. Breakdown in coordination between stakeholders
Airports involve airlines, ground handlers, border authorities, safety and security entities, retailers, emergency services and regulators. A major opening mistake is assuming these stakeholders will align themselves automatically. ORAT provides a coordinated framework for stakeholder engagement, decision-making and issue resolution, ensuring everyone understands their roles and dependencies.
4. Inadequate testing of real-world operational scenarios
While systems may be technically tested, real-life airport scenarios as peak-hour passenger flows, baggage surges, equipment failures or emergency incidents are often not fully rehearsed. ORAT avoids this mistake by delivering progressive trials, integrated testing and full-scale simulations that expose weaknesses early and allow corrective action before opening.
5. Chaotic transition from project to operations
A rushed, or poorly managed handover can leave operational teams without clear ownership, documentation, or support arrangements. This often results in post-opening disruptions and costly fixes. ORAT ensures a structured transition, with defined responsibilities, complete documentation and support models in place to stabilise operations after opening.
In summary, a well-executed Operational Readiness programme transforms airport openings from high-risk events into controlled, predictable transitions – protecting safety, reputation and passenger experience from day one.
“A key best practice is agreeing before trials what success looks like – performance thresholds, acceptable backlog of issues, and closure criteria. Well-run airports document and resolve problematic findings, whereas less successful openings suffer from unresolved defects that increase the workload after opening,” says André.
c: Munich Airport
What is ORAT?
Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) is the globally recognised framework for preparing new or redeveloped airport infrastructure for a safe, efficient and successful start of operations. ORAT bridges the critical gap between construction completion and day-one operations, ensuring that people, processes, systems and facilities are fully prepared, tested and aligned before an airport or new infrastructure goes live.
Unlike approaches that focus solely on buildings and technology, ORAT emphasises people and procedures. Through structured planning, training, trials and full-scale operational simulations, ORAT minimises risk and ensures that staff, systems and stakeholders are ready to perform seamlessly from the first day of operations.
A well-designed ORAT programme brings together construction teams, airport operators, airlines, ground handlers, authorities and service providers. It establishes clear operational concepts, prepares the workforce and validates performance through progressive trials and rehearsals – eliminating bottlenecks, disruptions and surprises on opening day.
c: Munich Airport
ORAT Courses at Munich AirportAcademy
Munich Airport is the pioneer and inventor of systematic ORAT for airports and airport infrastructure, with the internationally renowned Munich AirportAcademy serving as its training division.
The ORAT training programme at Munich AirportAcademy is built on this unique legacy, with decades of global ORAT expertise across airport openings and complex transition projects, including airport, airline and ground handling transfers and relocations.
The five-day-training at Munich AirportAcademy will enable participants to:
- Establish an ORAT governance structure and stakeholder engagement plan
- Conduct gap analyses, readiness assessments, risk mapping and RACI modelling
- Design and manage trials programmes, table-top exercises and operational simulations
- Prepare for launch through commissioning activities, staff readiness and communication planning
- Capture and apply lessons learned to future phases or expansions.
The course focuses on practical ORAT insights and best practices drawn from real projects, combined with discussion and exchange with experienced ORAT practitioners. Participants are supported in translating these insights into their own operational contexts.
ORAT programme at Munich Airport – AirportAcademy
About the Author: André Schunck
c: Munich Airport
André Schunck, IAP, is a Senior Manager International Training at Munich AirportAcademy and a recognised expert in Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT). He has led international ORAT projects and consulting engagements worldwide, with deep expertise in airport and airside operations, safety management, ground handling and baggage handling systems. Known for his hands-on, practical approach, André brings real-world operational insight and strategic training expertise to support successful airport openings.
