Technology has emerged as a significant disruptor in recent times. It has facilitated significant advancements through the adoption of new innovations, ultimately enabling airports to adopt a more passenger-focused approach. At a recent India Infrastructure conference, Anurag Sharma, Executive Director (IT)/CIO at the Airports Authority of India (AAI), shared the current experience with IT integration within airport systems, the overall potential of technological innovation and future plans. Edited excerpts…
Over the time, AAI has significantly improved and expanded facilities for passengers and stakeholders. Until around 10 years ago there were 74 operational airports. This number has more than doubled now. As the number of passengers increase, so do their expectations from airports, with travellers desiring a hassle-free experience. For this, there is a need for optimal resource utilisation and operational agility. Technology will serve as the key enabling factor in meeting these expectations.
Innovation boom
With the implementation of Digi Yatra, Indian airports have showcased an impressive innovation to the world. This technology has been deployed at 24 airports, with 15 more airports in the pipeline. Powered by cutting-edge facial recognition technology and self-sovereign identity, this initiative minimises wait times at key touch points, including terminal entry, security check, boarding gates and transfer areas. Other operational systems include Smart Visual Docking Guidance Systems, necessary for aircraft operations.
The individual lamp control and monitoring system for airport ground lighting has also been indigenously developed. This state-of-the-art solution displays the status of individual lamps of the entire airfield lighting system, along with locations on the airport map. This system is expected to prove extremely useful when deployed across multiple airports, for augmenting safety of airport operations. The developed solution is available both in wired and wireless configurations, although wired connections still remain the preferred option.
The Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) is currently operational at six AAI airports, ensuring close collaboration of various airport stakeholders for seamless coordination and operational excellence. AAI plans to expand this to 14 airports. In tandem with this target, India will be the first country globally to deploy single-instance AOCC at this scale, setting a new benchmark in aviation operations.
Start-ups assume a greater role
AAI has placed a significant emphasis on supporting start-up innovations. One of the solutions developed by a start-up firm is the Smart Visual Docking Guidance System. Major airports such as Kolkata and Chennai have hundreds of bays and aircraft stands. This innovative system integrates three key technologies: 3D LIDAR, AI-powered algorithms and multiple visual indicators, along with a high-brightness display for pilots. A particularly important feature is its integration with the AOCC, which eliminates the need for manual logging of aircraft chocks-on and chocks-off times.
Another recent start-up initiative surrounds the Airside Movement and Compliance Monitoring System. This could serve as an economical functional alternative to the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System. It automatically captures airside surface movements of aircrafts and vehicles through integration with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast receivers. Furthermore, it provides real-time visibility of airside activities and situational awareness to the AOCC, while also enabling instant alerts for unauthorised movements and safety violations. This system is under functional trials at Chennai Airport.
Overcoming challenges with systematic approaches
Implementing expensive technology systems across all airports presents a challenge as operational efficiency is a key priority. Therefore, AAI is pursuing innovative and cost-effective solutions for monitoring all ground traffic, efficient luggage management, tracking of first and last bags, and accurate luggage count for baggage handling.
Similarly, the integrated approach to security checks presents both advantages and challenges. While integration improves efficiency, significant challenges exist due to the numerous systems involved in security procedures. These include X-ray baggage screeners, surveillance cameras, doorframe metal detectors and body scanners, among others. The security framework consists of multiple integrated but staggered systems. These complexities, along with implementation costs, present a challenge, as at some point a system integrator may be required to manage this comprehensive integration effectively. Despite these challenges, the benefits of an integrated security approach are evident.
Going forward, in the future, with the airport sector showing consistent year-on-year growth in passenger traffic, AOCC will play a pivotal role in improving efficiency, fostering innovation and making airports future-ready.
