The second major hub in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Airports, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SITA, to develop an AI-driven smart platform that can process data in real-time from various sources within the ecosystem to enable smoother passenger traffic flow, by providing a better on-ground experience for passengers, while providing assistance to the airport management with operational insights.

The aim of this platform will be to have it revolutionize airport operations and serve as an end-to-end AI-driven airport management system, capable of enhancing operational efficiency and improving on-time performance.

Developing The Intelligent Total Airport Management (iTAM) Platform

In a press release from earlier in the week, the aviation IT and technology solutions provider, SITA, announced that it has signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi Airports – Abu Dhabi International Airport in the UAE’s capital to partner and explore the development of an Artificial Intelligence-driven platform known as the Intelligent Total Airport Management (iTAM). This system can essentially assist the management of the airport, utilizing real-time data and insights to help improve the decision-making process and the on-time performance.

Additionally, the platform would be capable of analyzing and identifying data trends in real time from various sources across the airport’s ecosystem to help with early detection of disruptions, while also optimizing resources at the airport to ensure a smoother passenger experience on the ground. This will essentially be possible by integrating data from airlines, ground handlers, ATC, government agencies, and airport systems on a single unified platform and utilizing AI, along with advanced analytics.

Apart from improved OTP and passenger experience, the platform is also expected to help enhance safety at the airport, which is a key factor within any aviation environment. SITA’s president for the Middle East and Africa, Slim Bouri, stated,

« By collaborating with Abu Dhabi Airports, we have an opportunity to co-create a smarter way of working, one that uses data and intelligence to make every decision more predictable and more efficient. »

Other Smart Technologies In AUH

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the second major airport in the UAE after Dubai International, and the airport, back in 2023, saw its new terminal (Terminal A) commence operations. This new terminal was integrated with several technological upgrades, which not only provide a more comfortable experience for passengers but also make operations more efficient and sustainable.

While the airport integrated new biometric systems, improved security screening technology, self-serve kiosks, and bag-drop points, which are now commonly seen within most major airports in the Middle East region, the airport installed technologies such as solar cells at the terminal’s car park facilities, which, according to data from Airport Technologies, consisted of 7,542 solar panels, making it the largest solar-powered car park in the region, delivering an annual savings of nearly 5,300 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Additionally, according to Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi Airport has also utilized technologies such as Kinetic Flooring at sections of the airport that see a high volume of passenger traffic, which generates electricity as passengers walk over sections of flooring. The energy generated from the floor is used to power nearby LED screens while also providing data feedback to passengers regarding the footfall at the airport. To those familiar, the technology is similar to the kinetic flooring used by Coldplay to power parts of their concert during their Music Of The Spheres World Tour.

Dubai Airports Also Integrating Advanced AI & Biometrics

The neighboring airport to AUH, Dubai International Airport (DXB), is also big on investing in smart technology to improve operational efficiency while delivering a seamless passenger experience. While the airport has had smart gates for years now, with the technology being constantly improved, it is not surprising that the airport unveiled a « Smart Corridor » at its Terminal 3, which is exclusively used by Emirates and its partner airlines.

While the airport already integrated smart gates at immigration and emigration, which, depending on the biometric data passengers choose to share, can allow passengers to pass through within seconds just by showing their face, without having to present their passport or boarding pass. The Smart Corridor is an improvement to the concept, which can process data of up to 10 passengers passing through simultaneously, using AI-powered camera systems. Reports from Khaleej Times indicate passport control could be cleared in as little as six to 14 seconds.

Deployment of such technologies at major airports such as DXB and AUH is a potential indication of what passengers can expect at airports in the future around the world, where such technologies will allow for a smoother passenger experience, without compromising the safety of air travel.