The power of technology

Honeywell Building Automation’s Alex Cowen considers how strategically utilising modern technological solutions can streamline airport operations.

With global passenger traffic on the rise and demand for air travel reaching new heights in some countries, it is imperative that the aviation industry continues to innovate to keep up with demand and sustainably streamline airport operations where possible.

As part of this process, the latest energy efficient technologies will replace outdated and inefficient systems to help ensure that airport operations run as smoothly as possible, especially during the traditionally busy peak periods like the summer holidays.

Using technology and innovative solutions to help mitigate disruptions

Given the sharp, and continually increasing number of passengers – during peak periods especially – the air travel industry needs continued innovation and technological solutions to help keep up with the demand, whilst simultaneously enhancing efficiency.

In environments such as airports and passenger terminals, efficiency of turnaround times can often be the make or break between on-time departures and delays.

Turning towards digitisation and software-based solutions, installing the latest technologies – which are designed to replace outdated systems – is a crucial step in helping airports streamline operations and better manage energy use – an important factor given airlines have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Software based systems can optimise a range of processes, from streamlining baggage handling to security checks and even boarding procedures, all of which contribute rapidly to passenger delays.

The implementation of modern digital solutions helps to make it possible for more informed decisions to be made, leading to a more efficient airport and therefore a better travelling experience for customers.

Adopting technological solutions that can help reduce delays, such as gate turnaround technology, is vital in today’s fast-paced aviation landscape, if airports want to improve their overall efficiency, minimise aircraft turnaround times and enhance travel experience for all passengers.

Ready to use solutions are already available to achieve this, but it is important that businesses look to these software-based products available to them sooner rather than later, to avoid another summer of travel disruptions.

One example of a product which airports should be considering is the recently launched, range of intelligent airport solutions from Honeywell, including Honeywell NAVITAS, which helps airports digitise, visualise, and automate fuel-consuming aircraft operations like final landings and take-offs.

The implementation of these solutions not only optimises gate operations and improves situational awareness for pilots and airside operations teams but can help improve turnaround times as well that can effectively reduce the amount of time airplanes are consuming fuel whilst sitting on the tarmac.

It’s clear that creating the best airport of the future requires a strong operational backbone that prioritises passenger safety as well as improving the airport experience for all, alongside focusing on efficiency to adapt to an airport’s daily needs.

Using technological solutions helps to support airport operations whilst promoting a high level of safety, security and an approved travel experience for all.

Considering these solutions are designed to meet the challenges that impede efficiency and safety, such as maintenance and management of gate downtime and capacity optimisation, like airport congestion, it is essential that airport managers integrate technological solutions that prioritise efficiency to streamline operations from arrivals to departures.

As such, making gate processes more efficient and passenger friendly is an important step for airports to take if they want to ensure seamless journeys for travellers and prioritise sustainability across the whole airport.

Strategically implementing modern technology for further efficiency

Although implementing the latest technological solutions are crucial to improving efficient operations, the time these installations are scheduled for implementation and maintenance is equally as important.

Installing these technological solutions at airports during busy periods can be challenging as airports are constantly running – 24/7, 365 days a year. Finding the downtime can often be the hardest, but most crucial first step. Initially, the implementation process will disrupt daily operations which is likely to result in longer wait times for passengers – something which can cause airlines and airports money and reputational damage.

Additionally, staff may face difficulties adapting to new systems amid busy periods, potentially causing errors or inefficiencies. For example, in the summer of last year – a busy period for all – a number of major UK airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow, updated their passport e-gate systems.

Whilst this update was necessary, it was carried out during a busy bank holiday travelling period, regrettably causing delays which left some passengers waiting for extended periods of time, missing connections or causing further delays throughout the airport.

During these busy periods, airports need to prioritise passenger flow and timely departures, meaning it is difficult to allocate sufficient time to smooth technological integration – especially if an error occurs.

By proactively installing or updating technological solutions during quieter periods, or ahead of time, airport operational managers can substantially reduce the likelihood of delays and minimise disruptions, helping create a seamless experience for passengers where possible.

Looking ahead to a seamless future with reduced delays

Streamlining airport operations through the utilisation of modern technological solutions is a strategic approach to help sustainably enhance operational efficiency and minimise disruptions where achievable.

By implementing advanced airside solutions, such as those that enhance gate turnaround, aid traffic control with clearance service, and provide accurate positional information of aircraft, airports can renew outdated processes whilst simultaneously better managing energy use therefore helping to create a more energy efficient building.

It’s also important for airports to remember that upgrading and implementing technological solutions during quieter periods is essential as it allows airports the time to test and fine-tune solutions, making sure they are operating as expected and therefore helping to minimise delays during busy periods.

Overall, by investing in modern technological solutions and installing them during opportune times, operations managers in airports will place themselves in the best position to streamline processes during all periods, ultimately helping to improve the customers flying experience and limiting delays where possible.

About the author

Alex Cowen, is general manager for global airports at Honeywell Building Automation.