A-CDM Airports and How to Avoid Slot and CTOT Delays
Most of us who are used to flying in the North American region only find the SLOT and CTOT situation In the EU nations a bit unnerving. I've noticed that in Europe, mostly in Nice and Munich, Berlin, Luton airports, when we do pick up a slot or a CTOT, the passengers are already on board the aircraft and now we have a 2-hour delay for take-off.
Reviewed by Kevin Singh, Founder · Fact-checked against Icarus Jet fleet and airport operations data · Last updated 10 September 2026
The guide
At Icarus Jet Trip Support, we always make sure that our crew and clients are well informed of any situation that will cause a delay that could've been avoided. A lot of airports In the EU region are now A-CDM airports and they require a constant communication from the crew, handler and the ATC. Let's look at some of the definitions and abbreviations that are Important for a smooth operation-
EOBT- Estimated off-block time ( As filed in the flight plan)
TOBT Target off-block time. It's communicated to the pilot Initially by the handling agent and Icarus flight ops.
TSAT- Represents the time provided by the ATC at which an aircraft can expect startup/push back approval, taking into account the TOBT, CTOT ad the traffic situation. It's Issued at EOBT -40 minutes. Any conflict has to be solved before this time. TSAT is communicated by the handling agent to the crew.
ASAT- Actual start-up approval time. Given by the ATC.
ARDT- Actual ready time is the time at which the Airport Ops releases the flight from handling operations. An ARDT can only be +- 5 min TOBT.
Ready Earlier?
If you're ready to leave earlier than your TOBT, you should advise your Icarus Trip Support team to submit a revised TOBT; the TOBT must be accurate to ensure proper pre-departure sequence calculation (TSAT).
Start-up approval will normally be issued within 5 minutes of the Target startup time or push back time. If you have an updated EOBT then it only needs to be done when the new off block time is 15 minutes or more than your originally planned time. If the aircraft is not able to start its engines and taxi within +5 min of your off-block time then you must update your new off-block time asap via your handler.
Remember, this is complicated, yet simple if you contact your Icarus trip-support team and continuously update them about your departure. The summer is upon us and Europe will be busier than ever. These are simple communications that can help us avoid costly delays for you and make your operation a lot smoother in the EU region.
Ready means-
- Loading bridge retracted
- Push back tractor connected
- All doors closed
- Stand clear of vehicles and personnel.
Please contact me at fltops@icarusjet.com or you can always whatsapp me on +1 817 233 7746 for further inquiries. We are here for your every need.
Flying this route or region? Icarus Jet provides flight planning, 24/7 trip support, flight permits for private jet operators worldwide.
Questions
A-CDM Airports and How to Avoid Slot and CTOT Delays: questions the desk gets
What is the difference between EOBT and TOBT at an A-CDM airport?
EOBT is the estimated off-block time as filed in the flight plan. TOBT is the target off-block time, communicated to the crew initially by the handling agent and Icarus flight ops. TOBT has to be accurate because the airport uses it to calculate the pre-departure sequence and your TSAT.
What is TSAT and when is it issued?
TSAT is the time ATC provides at which the aircraft can expect start-up or push-back approval, taking into account the TOBT, the CTOT and the traffic situation. It is issued at EOBT minus 40 minutes, and any conflict has to be resolved before then. The handling agent passes TSAT to the crew.
What should the crew do if the aircraft is ready before its TOBT?
Advise the Icarus trip support team so a revised TOBT can be submitted. The TOBT must reflect the real readiness of the aircraft, because the pre-departure sequence and TSAT are calculated from it. An early aircraft with a stale TOBT gains nothing and can lose its place in the sequence.
When does an updated EOBT need to be filed?
Only when the new off-block time is 15 minutes or more later than the originally planned time. If the aircraft cannot start engines and taxi within five minutes of its off-block time, the crew must pass the new off-block time to the handler as soon as possible so the sequence can be recalculated.
What does ready mean at an A-CDM airport?
Ready means the loading bridge is retracted, the push-back tractor is connected, all doors are closed and the stand is clear of vehicles and personnel. ARDT, the actual ready time, is when airport operations releases the flight from handling, and it can only fall within five minutes either side of TOBT.
Why do slot and CTOT delays catch crews at Nice, Munich, Berlin and Luton?
Crews used to North American operations often pick up a slot or CTOT when the passengers are already on board, then sit through a delay of up to two hours. A-CDM airports require constant communication between crew, handler and ATC. Keeping the desk updated on your departure status is what avoids the costly wait.
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