Have you heard of the AOCC? Behind this acronym, which you’ve likely come across without fully grasping its significance, lies a key structure, the true operational heart of our airport. To shed light on its role and mission, Éric Latreille, Chief of Operations and Security, welcomed us into the AOCC facilities and agreed to answer our questions.

 

What is the AOCC?
The Airport Operations Collaboration Centre (AOCC) is a space where key partners come together to work in real time within a shared environment. It enables transparent information sharing, data-driven decision-making based on reliable and common sources, instant communication between partners, and the optimization of activities through advanced technologies. In short, the AOCC is a collaborative hub that supports integrated operations management through the use of cutting-edge technological tools and predefined processes.

Who works at the AOCC?
The AOCC brings together several collaborators representing the operational stakeholders present at the YUL site. Among them are Air Canada, Air Transat, AccesAir, OPSIS, Alstef, Equans, Menzies, Samsic, as well as ADM teams (airport security, operations, maintenance, airside supervision, remote monitoring, IT, ground transportation). The AOCC also relies on its six Operations Chiefs: Luc Veilleux, Il Kim, Éric Quesnel, Alexandre Jacquaz, Alain Ata, and myself. We rotate in shifts to ensure continuous coverage and guarantee the smooth running of daily activities.

What is the mission of the AOCC?
The mission of the AOCC is to supervise, coordinate, and optimize all airport activities in real time, maintain constant overview, and foster collaboration among all internal and external stakeholders to ensure safety, fluidity, and operational performance at YUL. By being gathered in one place, we can act quickly and efficiently, synchronizing our efforts to ensure smooth operations and deliver an optimal passenger experience.

What tools are used?
The AOCC relies on a range of specialized tools and state-of-the-art equipment, including a multimedia display wall, the YUL/YMX camera system, computer workstations, detection and monitoring applications (lightning, traffic), situation reports, and performance indicators (KPIs).

Do similar centers exist elsewhere?
Absolutely. Similar centers exist, particularly in Europe (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Munich, Vienna, Zurich). This concept is widely implemented in many major international airports.

What are your guiding principles?
Collaboration, transparency, responsiveness, safety and innovation. These are the values that guide our daily actions!