Digital technologies in airport ground operations

Abstract

How has digital transformation changed airport ground operations? Although the relevant peer-reviewed literature emphasizes the role of cost savings as a key driver behind digitalization of airport ground operations, the focus is on data-driven, customer-centric innovations. This paper argues that ground handling agents are deploying new technologies mainly to boost process efficiency and to cut costs. Our research shows that ground handling agents are embracing current trends to craft new business models and develop new revenue streams. In this paper, we examine the ground handling agent's value chain and identify areas that are strongly affected by digital transformation and those that are not. We discuss different business scenarios for digital technology and link them with relevant research, such as automated service data capturing, new digital services for passengers, big data, indoor navigation, and wearables in airport ground operations. We assess the maturity level of discussed technologies using NASA technology readiness levels.

Digitalization: An Opportunity for Contributing to Sustainability From Knowledge Creation

“…Infrastructure. Concerning infrastructure, the air transport sector is already facing the digitalization challenges of the airports [77], and also the advantages of improving infrastructure efficiencies like ground operations [78] or even baggage handling [79].…”

Fluxo e Gerenciamento de Bagagens em Aeroportos com Inclusão da Tecnologia RFID

“…Ao analisar estratégias para resolução do atraso na disponibilização das bagagens utilizando a tecnologia RFID, à luz das informações que constam no quadro 1, há quatro momentos em que esse problema poderá ser minimizado: rastreamento da rota, manuseio de materiais, eficiência no manuseio de materiais e controle de fluxo das bagagens e redução de intercorrências. O benefício de se agregar a tecnologia RFID para controle de bagagens à iniciativa anteriormente mencionada consiste no acompanhamento e gerenciamento das bagagens em todo o itinerário e não somente em alguns pontos desconectados (Csiszár and Nagy, 2017;Kovynyov and Mikut, 2019). Para isso há necessidade de que, embora o sistema seja sequencial (entrada, acompanhamento e saída do sistema), ele possui etapas (serviço ao consumidor, controle de qualidade, serviços de apoio, gerenciamento rápido de intercorrênicas) que asseguram a participação do passageiro, sua vinculação com a empresa aérea e a conectividade do processo (Figura 2).…”

“…O manuseio inadequado e extravio das bagagens constituem exemplos de intercorrências que influenciam a avaliação da qualidade do atendimento prestado pelas empresas aéreas (Tahanisaz and Shokuhyar, 2020). A interligação dos processos laborais pelos quais as bagagens passam já foi reconhecida, visando a redução de danos, extravios com perda ou itinerário equivocado, furtos ou fraudes (Kovynyov and Mikut, 2019).…”

Smart Airport: A Review on Future of the Airport Operation

“…This technology facilitate to monitor the screening remotely from the particular location with several interfaces. Passengers will be benefitted from RFID baggage tags to trace their baggage, status of baggage loading or unloading to the aircraft during their departure, arrival or transit (Kovynyov & Mikut, 2018). Smart airports can reduce the risk of mishandle baggage by using this technology.…”