The aviation industry is experiencing unprecedented periods of growth. The question is, how can businesses keep up with the demand to deliver services in this ever increasing and fast paced industry. Â This is where AI can help.
AI is no longer a buzzword. It is now firmly entrenched in all that we do, more than we sometimes realise, and it can be utilised to help airport suppliers and ground handlers, by shifting operations from being reactive to proactive.
In aviation, the AI market is expected to reach $5.8 billion by 2028. Key applications already being trialled successfully include predictive maintenance of ground equipment, AI-driven baggage handling and optimised resource allocation, which are reducing turnaround times by 15–20%.
Heathrow for example is implementing AI, having recently selected Netcompany as its primary digital operations partner. Utilising AIRHAR, Netcompany’s Airport Operations Orchestration Platform will combine real-time data, operational systems and AI-driven insights across one unified platform. Â This will enable smarter decision-making, proactive situational awareness and create greater supply chain resilience.
When implemented effectively, AI can be used to enhance the functionality of the entire airport ecosystem.
Maintenance and Asset Management
AI monitors equipment such as escalators, elevators and HVAC systems, and can identify issues before they cause failures. This effective management of critical infrastructure reduces unplanned downtime for repairs by up to 30%.
Passenger Services and Staffing
AI helps suppliers and terminal operators to allocate staffing that is accurate and based on demand. Workforce management tools can analyse historical and real-time passenger data, to match staffing levels with actual demand, which reduces the risk of both overstaffing or understaffing.
Security & Safety
AI surveillance uses facial recognition and behavioural analysis to detect suspicious activities or unattended baggage, accurately enhancing security measures. In addition, video feeds can be analysed by AI, to detect safety violations or accidents, such as slip-and-fall incidents or improper use of safety equipment. On runways, AI-powered cameras can automatically detect Foreign Object Debris (FOD), to prevent safety hazards and reduce downtime.
Retail & Commercial Revenue
AI boosts non-aeronautical revenue, by analysing past purchase behaviours and travel preferences to provide highly targeted and personalised offers to passengers, via apps and digital signage. This is resulting in an increase in duty-free and restaurant spending.
Sustainability
AI supports environmental goals, such as energy management and waste reduction, through using it to optimise HVAC controls in terminals. AI systems also analyse data on waste generation patterns, helping airports to enhance waste collection, improving sustainability and efficiency.
Procurement & Logistics
AI enables procurement teams to use predictive analytics, automation and real-time data processing, to increase efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve accuracy.
Technology & Infrastructure
AI-powered systems and digital twins manage terminal capacity and troubleshoot infrastructure issues, offering “virtual capacity” that helps to overcome physical space constraints.
Rather than seeing AI as a threat or competition, businesses involved in aviation should view it as an enabler and a partner, helping to improve efficiency, costs and safety.
How Aviation Supply Chain can help
When airport businesses collaborate, everyone wins. Suppliers that effectively digitise their offers and harness advancements in AI and technology, can sharpen their forecasting, and navigate sourcing challenges. Logistical issues can be effectively addressed, and decision-making can become far more strategic.
ASC isn’t a directory. It’s a connector for collaboration. It’s about building genuine partnerships across the aviation supply chain, bringing together organisations to combine expertise, collaborate, innovate and successfully deliver complex airport projects together, with AI playing its increasingly vital role in the success of these.
