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Key Components of Smart Airports
Smart Airports, the digital transformation of airports
Why did Smart Airports emerge?
What is a Smart Airport?
Digital transformation applications in airports
Digitalisation of infrastructures
This transformation brings with it the hyperconnectivity of each and every one of the assets that form part of an airport, resulting in improved infrastructures that dump large amounts of data from the different points and areas, thus enabling centralised management, process optimisation and obtaining qualitative analyses that help to improve predictability for more accurate decision-making.
· Digitalisation of commercial flow
Airports require increased network reliability and improved real-time performance for commercial flight-related systems. Digitisation enables the automation of processes for tracking goods, executing tasks from offices, improving cyber security, resource planning and optimising time and efficiency.
· Digitalisation of passenger flow
In this section, greater performance of the daily operations of the airport ecosystem is achieved. For example, monitoring domestic flights en route, cross-referencing real-time data from assets on the ground, results in improved preparation and coordination of processes that improve passenger flow, including check-in and check-out, baggage, occupancy and check-in wait times, etc.
Applications of digital transformation at airports
· Fully optimised operations
Any smart application seeks to fully optimise resources. For example, until recently, you had to be at the airport two hours before your flight departed. However, thanks to the application of AI, passengers do not need to come to the terminal so far in advance, saving hours of waiting and long queues at the boarding gates.
For example, to optimise passengers’ time, the New Hamad International Airport has implemented 5 state-of-the-art self-check-in kiosks and a self-service bag drop with biometric technology capability.
This autonomy that smart airports give to users is crucial to understand the advantages that these infrastructures possess.
On the other hand, AI has also been applied to the airport industry to improve the quality and enhance the user experience after each flight. London-Gatwick Airport has integrated technologies including sensors, data analytics and AI to improve the customer experience and, in turn, increase productivity. How? By developing a blockchain-based digital wallet that allows passengers frequenting this airport to use rewards.
The trend of the future, already proven in the UK and Sweden, is to transform air terminals into one-stop transport hubs. In this way, a single control centre will be able to manage the traffic of several airfields, reducing construction and maintenance costs from one integrated operations platform.
· Safer airports with smart solutions
Security is an absolute priority at airports and AI plays a key role in this context. In addition, new smart documents and biometric technologies are opening up new opportunities that promote fully optimised user screening.
For their part, IATA and ACI’s smart security programmes advocate improved security practices that combine enhanced security with greater operational efficiency, while delivering an improved passenger experience.
Biometric self-boarding gates or automated border control with electronic boarding gates are examples of such applications.
Dubai Airport makes use of a smart tunnel which, thanks to facial recognition and AI, allows passengers to pass through passport control in just 15 seconds without any human intervention.
Another example of security is Shezen Airport, which has implemented an intelligent flight information display system that recognises passengers’ faces.
· More sustainable airports
The implementation of sensors and devices in airport assets and facilities, connected to an integrated operations platform, allows centralised management and control, achieving greater energy efficiency and sustainability.
To guarantee a cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure, high-efficiency hardware (solar panels, LED lighting, low-consumption monitors, optimised water systems, etc.) is combined with digital control of the same.
Likewise, the ability to measure in real time the temperature, air quality, status of the entrances or ventilation, allows optimised management of the air conditioning and healthiness of the environment.
Advantages of Smart Airports
These are some of the advantages of a smart airport:
- Improved operational efficiency, making use of data collected in real time.
- Reduction of operating costs, improving productivity and perfecting operations.
- Optimisation of demand, thanks to greater control of passenger flows and automation of entry controls.
- Significantly improved passenger experience, by improving passenger handling services, flight control, check-in, etc.
- Enhanced surveillance and security through biometric monitoring systems, advanced cyber security and greater reliability in operations and maintenance of facilities.
- Improved health surveillance and ground services (cleaning frequencies, availability of amenities, etc.).
Address the complete digital transformation of your airport
All of the improvements that smart airports present are just some of the ways in which technology has influenced and changed the airport environment forever.
While safety, security and speed of service will always be top priorities for passengers, the incorporation of new technologies allows airport managers to facilitate and improve day-to-day and future operations.
Nexus Integra is the integrated operations platform that provides intelligent solutions, turning your airport into a Smart Airport.
Contact our specialised team for a study adapted to your needs.
Smart Airports: The Digital Transformation of Airports
Key Components of Smart Airports
Mobile Applications: Offering apps that provide real-time flight information, navigation assistance, and personalized services to passengers.
Self-Service Kiosks: Deploying kiosks for check-in, baggage drop, and other services to reduce wait times and improve passenger convenience.
Personalized Services: Using data analytics to offer personalized recommendations and services, such as dining and shopping options, based on passenger preferences.
Real-Time Analytics:
Implementing big data analytics to optimize resource allocation, such as gate assignments, staff deployment, and maintenance schedules.
Predictive Maintenance: Using AI and machine learning to predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance, reducing downtime and operational disruptions.
Automated Ground Handling: Employing autonomous vehicles and robots for tasks like baggage transport, aircraft towing, and cargo handling to increase efficiency and safety.
Smart Access Control: Implementing RFID and biometric access control systems to secure restricted areas and streamline staff movements.
Emergency Response Management: Using data analytics and real-time monitoring to improve emergency response coordination and effectiveness.
Cybersecurity Measures: Ensuring robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power airport operations.
Waste Management: Implementing smart waste management systems that optimize waste collection, recycling, and disposal processes.
Water Conservation: Utilizing smart irrigation and water management systems to conserve water and ensure efficient usage.
Intelligent Traffic Flow: Implementing traffic management systems that optimize vehicle flow within airport premises and surrounding areas.
Public Transportation Integration: Enhancing connectivity with public transportation systems through real-time data sharing and coordinated schedules.
Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: Promoting the use of electric and autonomous vehicles for ground transportation to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
Automated Baggage Systems: Implementing automated sorting and transportation systems to expedite baggage handling and reduce errors.
Passenger Notifications: Providing passengers with real-time updates on their baggage status through mobile apps and notifications.
Loss Prevention: Enhancing security and reducing the risk of lost or mishandled baggage through advanced tracking and monitoring systems.
Benefits of Smart Airports
Personalization: Tailored services and recommendations improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
Increased Capacity: Efficient operations enable airports to handle more flights and passengers without significant infrastructure expansions.
Efficient Emergency Response: Real-time data and analytics improve coordination and response times during emergencies.
Smart energy management systems lower energy usage and carbon emissions.
Sustainable Practices: Integration of renewable energy and efficient waste management promotes environmental sustainability.
Enhanced Connectivity: Improved integration with public transportation and use of autonomous vehicles enhances overall transportation efficiency.