Results of the Eurocontrol sponsored A-SMGCS ground assistance tools for Europe (AGATE) Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)

This paper presents a detailed summary of the results of the High Level Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of the Eurocontrol initiative to develop Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS) Ground Assistance Tools for Europe (AGATE). The analysis was included as a main element in the overall High Level Business Case for the AGATE project developed by Eurocontrol. The subjects addressed within this paper include: scope and methodology of the study, and the CBA results for the various implementation scenarios identified. The results include the differing levels of expected economic benefits for airport configurations and AGATE options which were foreseen. These economic results are then weighted based upon a high level risk analysis to address potential implementation issues associated with each scenario. Based on the weighted results a recommended set of actions are developed. The significance of this work is that it is one of the key inputs into Europe's decision making process as it applies to future A-SMGCS implementation plans and policies.