Catching Errors Before They Fly: Why QA is Essential for Airport Billing

Checking Billing Work on a Laptop

In airport finance, accuracy isn’t just about balancing the books — it’s about maintaining trust, transparency, and revenue integrity. Before finalizing monthly invoices, conducting Quality Assurance (QA) checks of you airport billing is one of the most effective ways to detect errors early and prevent costly rework or disputes later.

A key part of the QA process involves comparing the current month’s billing data with previous months. This simple step can quickly flag unusual trends or discrepancies at both the fee category and customer level. The AARMS Monthly Fee Comparison Reports were designed precisely for this purpose, allowing airport teams to spot anomalies before invoices are released.

It’s recommended that billing data be compared against at least the previous three months. Significant deviations in totals or patterns should prompt further investigation. A blank return, for instance, may indicate a deeper issue — such as an aircraft verification error, incorrect seat configuration, or a misclassified operation type.

When performing these comparisons, it’s important to consider contextual factors that can legitimately affect monthly revenue. Differences in the number of days in the month, seasonal flight schedules, weather conditions, or local factors such as runway construction can all impact aircraft movements and fee volumes. Recognizing these influences helps distinguish genuine operational changes from potential billing errors.

Ultimately, a consistent QA review safeguards both the airport’s finances and its reputation. By identifying discrepancies early and understanding the reasons behind them, airports can ensure invoices are accurate, defendable, and aligned with operational activity. In an industry where every landing counts, a careful look before sending the bill can make all the difference.