Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad, South India, has embarked on a significant advancement in its operations by integrating artificial intelligence into its management system. The facility recently inaugurated the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC), which aims to enhance the efficiency and smoothness of airport operations by unifying airside, landside, and terminal processes through real-time data analytics.
Mr SGK Kishore, Executive Director of GMR Airports and Chief Innovation Officer, stated, “GMR Group is leading the aviation industry with cutting-edge technological innovations, focusing on significantly enhancing passenger experiences. Our new AI-enabled digital platform and the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC) set new standards in modernizing operations and elevating passenger satisfaction." The official statement from the airport elaborated on the benefits of integrating AI, particularly in optimising decision-making and minimising disruptions to ensure a seamless travel experience.
The GMR Group, which oversees the operations of Hyderabad Airport, plans to implement this technology across its other locations in a phased approach. The APOC will provide several advantages, including:
Intelligent Crowd Management: Real-time analytics that will assist in optimising passenger flow and security measures, effectively reducing congestion and enhancing overall safety at the airport.
Flow and Queue Analytics: This functionality is designed to improve terminal efficiency by increasing throughput, shortening wait times, and reducing the likelihood of missed flights.
Passenger Experience Analytics: The system will optimise high-visibility areas to be more accommodating to passengers with special needs, thereby promoting a more inclusive travel experience.
Real-Time Insights: Continuous monitoring of throughput, gate usage, and dwell times is expected to enhance operational efficiency.
Behaviour Analytics: This feature focuses on maintaining smooth passenger flow and strengthening security, ensuring a secure and hassle-free travel experience.
In addition to these operational benefits, APOC will leverage virtual simulations to explore various operational scenarios, which are anticipated to enhance airside efficiency. The technology will also incorporate smart traffic monitoring to alleviate congestion and improve passenger management through timely issue identification. Moreover, its IoT analytics will facilitate real-time assessment and refinement of parking operations, thereby enhancing road safety.
The move towards AI-enhanced operations at Hyderabad Airport aligns with broader trends within the aviation sector. Recently, San Antonio International Airport adopted AI technology to overhaul its parking system, allowing users to enter and exit without the need for a ticket—billing will occur automatically based on user profiles. Furthermore, Alaska Airlines has been testing optimisation tools for flight scheduling in response to prior operational glitches. Also noteworthy is London Heathrow Airport, which is piloting AI technology known as AIMEE to assist air traffic controllers by better integrating radar and video data for monitoring flight movements, a crucial development given the global shortage of air traffic controllers.
With the adoption of such technologies, Indian airports, exemplified by Hyderabad's new initiatives, are embracing innovations that are set to reshape operational practices and improve passenger experiences in air travel.
Source: Noah Wire Services