What is your suggestion?
I would like to see an option to automate the de-icing process in the game.
This could be done by either introducing a new De-Icing Manager, similar to the existing tower managers, or by adding de-icing as an optional paid upgrade to the Ground Manager.
This would help streamline winter operations and reduce the amount of manual handling required from players.
How would it work in the game?
Option A: New De-Icing Manager
A dedicated De-Icing Manager could be hired (with SP of course ) through the manager menu.
Once hired, they would automatically handle all de-icing tasks whenever weather conditions require it.
The manager’s level or cost could influence de-icing speed and efficiency.
Option B: Ground Manager Upgrade
De-icing could be added as an additional upgrade or module with an additional slider for the existing Ground Manager (The Ground manager with cost additional SP )
After unlocking it for a fee, the Ground Manager would automatically take care of de-icing during cold weather.
In both cases:
The system would remove the need for manual de-icing actions on each aircraft.
De-icing would happen smoothly in the background to keep operations moving efficiently.
Why is this a good idea?
Player Perspective (Quality of Life & Fleet Flow)
It reduces repetitive manual clicking, especially at busy airports with high aircraft turnover.
Ensures aircraft are de-iced promptly, preventing unnecessary delays when managing large fleets.
Makes winter operations feel more streamlined and less stressful.
Allows players to focus on overall airport strategy instead of constant micromanagement.
Offers a new use for players’ surplus SP
Developer Perspective
Improves overall player satisfaction, which can lead to higher engagement and retention.
Adds a potential monetization or progression opportunity through a new manager or upgrade.
Optional: Image or reference
Attach anything that helps visualize or support your idea.
Great idea. Already happened a few times I forgot to start the deicing process e.g at Dulles and the result is an enormous traffic jam for the departure runway…..
However, a system should be introduced whereby the aircraft are guided to de-icing stations by the tugs, and de-icing then takes place automatically at the de-icing station before the aircraft taxi to the runway.
Not playing an airport just to avoid De-Icing is really not possible at bigger airports / preferred HUB airports like IAD / LHR / LEJ / PRG (for newer players) which are actually amazing airports for player connectivity and contracts, and SP by virtue.
As a beginner player the first 4 airports have De-Icing during the winters. Being slowed down by having to hit De-Icing on each plane, isn’t really enticing for a newer player, wanting to make good progress in a shorter amount of time
This sequence has led me to rarely play INN and PRG these days. The long taxiing times related, but even for shorter like IAD, I haven’t PP myself. Overall, I tend to avoid airports requiring de-icing during winter, and currently I’m not particularly drawn to new airports in northern locations (e.g., HEL, CTS, YZF).
I recognize how wasteful this is, so I’m hoping they can find a way about de-icing that doesn’t create unnecessary barriers.
In real life (toronto pearson… because i havent been to other airports in winter) plane taxi to a big apron, but its not very big it can handel six planes maybe 3 if theres big planes, and it causes planes to spill out and cause big jams into the taxiways and runways, I have to sometimes wait 5-8 minutes at rush hour, so if added to WoA this might happen too, Im not saying its a bad idea Just saying it will spill out and make big plane jams
You are right since handling are accelerated, and might be a serious issue. But I think what we could all agree on is that if we don’t tick the deicing minigame, it should act like parking, no manual click needed.
That’s why airports have de-icing stations where aircraft are towed by a tug. And even if this creates a queue of waiting aircraft, it’s not a problem, as it simply reflects reality. For example, look at Frankfurt or Munich; Leipzig has several de-icing stations, but unfortunately, these aren’t used in the game.
I don’t think this should be an ATC agent, I think this should be part of the Ramp Agent’s duties. Might mean a slightly increased SP cost when activating the ramp agent.
I agree with your point, and conceptually it does make more sense for de-icing to fall under the Ramp Agent’s responsibilities. Adding it there with a slightly increased SP cost would be logical from a realism and workflow perspective.
My concern, however, is that it might be challenging from a development and balancing standpoint to have the Ramp Agent (for each aircraft) consume both Wollars and SP, especially when considering how the SP economy is balanced per agent.
That complexity is why I initially suggested implementing it as part of the ATC system, where SP-based costs and automation already exist and are more established.
I think they could add (or modify) the toggle here and make it a “automate deicing” option, which then adds (just making up a number) 50 wollars to the cost of the ramp agent.
I agree that adding or modifying a toggle to enable “Automate De-icing” would make a lot of sense and fits naturally with the Ramp Agent’s role.
That said, my only concern is that it would still rely on Wollars, and automating a task like this might not be something the developers want to price purely in Wollars due to overall economy balance for automation. Since automation removes manual interaction, tying it to SP could make more sense from a balancing standpoint. We’ve seen a similar approach before—when automation was introduced for aircraft movements, it led to the tower managers being priced in SP.
Personally, I don’t mind using SP at all and think it’s absolutely fair to pay SP for this kind of quality-of-life automation.
What is your suggestion?
How would it work in the game?
) through the manager menu.
Why is this a good idea?
Optional: Image or reference
