Airports are no longer simply departure and arrival points for a journey; instead, they are undergoing a radical transformation driven by innovation and new trends in society. In a world where global mobility has become a necessity, airports serve not only as transport infrastructure, but also as spaces for experiences, technology and efficiency.
From process automation to the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biometrics and the Internet of Things (IoT), airports are redefining passenger expectations and operational capabilities. This development not only improves the user experience, but also optimises resources and enables us to be more sustainable.
The introduction of new technologies and innovative processes is essential for Aena’s present and future development. Incorporating innovation and digitalisation as drivers of business is a measure that features in the strategic and growth plans of leading organisations and countries.
Innovation and digitalisation enable us to improve efficiency and capacity, generate new revenue, provide efficient, high-quality services and minimise our environmental footprint. We are in the midst of an unprecedented technological revolution, where technology is reshaping the boundaries of business and where, if we do not innovate, others will. Only in this way can we maintain a leading position and move forward in step with society.
Aena is a state-owned commercial company managing 46 airports and 2 heliports in Spain and is directly and indirectly involved in the management of a further 33 airports in various countries. More than 283 million passengers passed through Spanish airports in 2023.
At Aena, we recognise the importance of our role as an economic driver in the areas of influence our airports, and our ongoing commitment to development and sustainability. We therefore launched our Strategic Plan for Innovation and Digital Transformation in 2021, which comprises three programmes designed to address current sector needs:
From passenger to customer
- From Passenger to Customer: Using data to gain an understanding of individual passengers using the airport, with a view to offering them a personalised experience.
- Efficient use of resources: Automating airport management processes and developing towards as-a-service models
- Beyond the airport: Exploring new business areas related to sustainable mobility
With this Plan, we aim to set the standard in the use of technology to optimise the customer experience, increase operational efficiency and develop sustainable mobility, using new technologies to improve our current business and develop new ones.
We also have a range of mechanisms and tools to support innovation, which help us to implement this strategy and foster a culture of innovation within the organisation:
Aena Ventures:Aena Ventures is our start-up accelerator, which enables us to collaborate with the entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem abroad.
The programme involves identifying a number of industry challenges internally and communicating them to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem outside Aena in order to seek solutions. Selected companies take part in an acceleration programme to roll out a funded pilot project at our airports, with the opportunity to subsequently secure a contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to implement their solutions.
The first edition of the initiative was launched in 2020, and we are currently wrapping up the second, which has seen excellent participation figures: 514 proposals were submitted, from 40 countries.
INNOVA Programme:
The INNOVA Programme is an initiative designed for staff to put forward innovative ideas to address a range of identified challenges. This recognises the innovative talent of Aena staff and involves them in the innovation strategy by implementing the winning proposals. The fifth edition of the programme is currently drawing to a close, with 223 proposals received from 31 workplaces
Technology Watch
The Technology Watch team is responsible for continuously searching the market for innovative solutions that can be applied at airports, as well as for receiving proposals for external collaboration. It is also responsible for identifying and managing grant programmes and projects in which Aena may participate.
Partnership agreements with companies
Conducting pilot trials of new technologies with different types of companies to validate new products and services, and analyse the feasibility of their implementation at airports.
Participation in international working groups
Aena plays an active role in various international working groups in order to keep abreast of the latest trends in the sector and seek partnerships to develop new initiatives. Notable cases are the chairmanship of the Airports Council International (ACI Europe) Innovation Forum, participation as a founding member in the European SESAR 3 programme, and membership of the Airports for Innovation group alongside eight other airport operators from different countries.
This article forms part of the Dossier: World Creativity and Sustainable Innovation Day.
Source: corresponsables.com
