The Global Airport IT Market shows continuous growth potential worldwide. As a result of the emergence of various technologies and increased spending on airport infrastructure, the market is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period.
The Global Airport IT Market is expected to reach US$3.89 billion by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 4.48 percent.
Recently, in many countries airports have started to invest more in IT infrastructure such as hardware, software, and services to help improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience and safety.
Many countries also have plans to expand their existing airports and build new ones to improve their economy and support increasing air traffic.
Recent IT Developments in Airports
Use of AHM Software by Japan Airlines
AHM software helps in monitoring, collecting, and analyzing aircraft data to give end-users real-time maintenance information. This information helps in initiating the required maintenance immediately after the arrival of an aircraft. The airline uses the AHM model to communicate with ground staff for operational decision making and the model can also provide historical repair data.
Security and Surveillance
Some airports have installed security screening software that increases the speed of screening. A new technology known as automated target recognition software is being used with current millimeter wave whole-body imaging machines for effective security screening.
Use of Performance Management Systems
Dusseldorf International Airport in Germany uses this system to optimize airport processes and reduce delays. This system helps in CDM and mainly focuses on the airport control center. The airport also uses AODB to ensure that all stakeholders have and use the same database. A performance management system can increase the use of IT in airports and help in controlling air traffic.
Use of ADSoftware’s AIRPACK Suite
Weststar Aviation Services is using the AIRPACK suite to manage, maintain, and plan integrated logistics. The solution helps the company to manage its operations cost-effectively. AIRPACK helps in increasing transparency and flow of information within and between departments.
Launch of RapydConnex
ARINC Engineering Services has launched RapydConnex, a global communications network for military and commercial “mobile edge” users that are unable to obtain the bandwidth, connectivity, or capabilities they require from their standard resources.
Use of IP Video Systems
Cardiff Airport in the UK has adopted a new IP video system that enables the viewing of live video of multiple locations without network problems. Workstations run the control center and monitor all live cameras that can also been seen by government authorities. This system helps uses to understand and identify threats.
Strategic Alliances
Fujitsu and Boeing have entered into a strategic alliance to develop a service that helps in increasing the efficiency of maintenance operations for aircraft. This service will include radio-frequency identification and cosmic microwave background radiation. This service will enable end-users to better manage aircraft components, equipment, and materials.
Partnerships
Hoyos has partnered with Herta Security to create a pilot program for Madrid Barajas Airport in Spain. It is intended to help in increasing airline security, improve the boarding process, reduce the risk for operators and governments, and protect the safety of passengers.
Use of WebTrak Flight Tracking and Noise Information System
Denver International Airport in the US has implemented the WebTrak Flight Tracking system to help air travelers searching for flights to and from the airport. This system also provides a channel for people who wish to register noise complaints. WebTrak helps in finding real-time data in addition to historical data for all flights for up to 60 days. It also provides information regarding the type of aircraft as well as the departure and destination points of aircraft.
Latest Airport Projects
Several countries worldwide have plans to invest heavily in the development of airport infrastructure, with the intention of enhancing the customer experience as well as improving their respective airport IT markets.
The US had started the largest number of airport projects (140) in 2014, followed by Europe (118) and Asia (117).
Some of the latest airport projects are listed below:
Ukraine
In 2014, the Ukraine government approved the design to upgrade Dnepropetrovsk Airport at the cost of US$250 million. The government introduced the State Target Program of Airport Development, which will run till 2023, and plans to invest about US$2.25 billion.
Singapore
Changi Airports International signed a MOU to develop Vladivostok International Airport.
Spain
Plans and designs have been revealed for a US$3.8 million aerotropolis development that will turn Malaga Airport into a technology and logistics hub.
Sweden
The government has announced plans to invest US$2.01 billion in Stockholm-Arlanda Airport.
United States
In late January 2014, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved a budget of US$928 million for the first phase of Tampa International Airport’s master development plan.
San Francisco Airport plans to spend US$4.1 billion over the next decade to fund a major upgrade of its facilities.
