SPECIAL REPORT: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Technology matters Airport World turns the spotlight on some innovative and pioneering IT projects across the globe.
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openhagen Airport (CPH) is to form its own IT company to sell digital services to airports worldwide. Operator, Copenhagen Airports, has joined forces with Netcompany to form Smarter Airports A/S, which it says will be 100% dedicated to developing a new, market-leading digital platform for the efficient and sustainable operation of the airports of the future. Once the solution has been implemented at Copenhagen Airport, the plan is to sell the system to airports worldwide. Netcompany and CPH are prepared to invest a combined DKK200 million to get Smarter Airports A/S up and running and note that the company will finalise the development of its new digital, data-driven platform over the next 12 months. “Notwithstanding the deep crisis currently facing the aviation industry, we need to replace the soon to be outdated IT system currently used to control traffic flows and support the passenger experience,” comments Thomas Woldbye, group CEO at Copenhagen Airports. “This partnership enables us to combine our know-how and Netcompany’s competencies for the purpose of developing an innovative IT system able to meet the requirements of tomorrow for efficient and sustainable airport operations. “Combining the best of the two Danish companies and sharing development costs, we have the chance to subsequently turn the system into a genuine export success by selling it to major airports worldwide. “This is not only a good idea, it’s also good business, and on top of that, the project is in line with one of our strategic focus areas: To identify new revenue streams based on our existing strengths so we can continue the sustainable transition of the airport.”
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AIRPORT WORLD/ISSUE 6, 2020
Smart Travel solutions in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi International Airport is trialling a new enhanced ‘Smart Travel’ system, which it is confident will “shorten queues and streamline processes throughout the airport to deliver a smoother and more seamless passenger experience”. Developed by airport operator, Abu Dhabi Airports, in partnership with ConvergentAI and powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the new system is said to utilise big data, AI, and the rigorous modelling and assessment of passenger traffic to optimise a variety of processes across Abu Dhabi International Airport from check-in and immigration counter staffing to passenger arrival and departure times. As part of the ongoing trial, select passengers travelling with Etihad Airways will be informed of the optimal time for them to arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport. According to the airport, by staggering passenger arrivals, the new system will mitigate crowding, facilitate social distancing, and shorten queues. And perhaps crucially, overtime, the AI-powered system is expected to become smarter and more capable of further streamlining passenger journeys through the airport. The gateway’s chief information officer, John Barton, notes: “Minimising queuing at airports is key to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of travellers and streamlining operations, which is why we are working with our airline partners and ConvergentAI to precisely model our passengers’ journeys and improve them at every step. “By enabling passengers to quickly and seamlessly transition through check-in, immigration and boarding, we are providing them with more
