News about innovation

16 February 2023

At Aena, we will triple our efforts in innovation over the coming years with the aim of becoming a benchmark in the use of technology and a leader in efficiency and digitalisation.

Our Strategic Plan for Innovation and Digital Transformation will position us as industry leaders in:

- Optimising the customer experience.

- Improving operational efficiency.

- Developing business opportunities in sustainable mobility.

Source: Linkedin Aena.

Innovación

09 December 2022

Barcelona Airport has carried out its first in-house drone test to inspect mega towers

Aena registered as a drone operator in 2021 and has begun conducting trials this year.

Aena has carried out the first drone trial in controlled airspace to inspect the mega (lighting) towers at stand 32 at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

It was carried out in-house (using the airport manager’s own staff and drones) in coordination with Enaire (the air navigation service provider at the airport), Aena reported in a statement on Friday.

The trial forms part of the ‘Efficient Use of Resources’ programme under Aena’s Innovation and Digital Transformation Plan, and several proof-of-concept trials have already been carried out involving the use of drones at airports for inspection and maintenance tasks.

INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

These tasks include calibrating PAPIs (Precision Approach Path Indicators), checking airfield lighting, inspecting pavements, measuring obstacles, carrying out topographical surveys, robotic falconry, general infrastructure checks and perimeter surveillance, in collaboration with sector companies.

Source: Europa Press.

Innovación

30 November 2022

Aena presents a project in Brussels to deal with unauthorised drones at airports

Aena has presented ASPRID (Airport System PRotection from Intruding Drones) in Brussels, a project in which it has participated alongside six other European organisations with the aim of protecting airports from unauthorised drones and define regulations and procedures to support this.

According to the airport manager, ASPRID was presented as part of the EC Drone Days, held yesterday and today and organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport and the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking research programme.

Pablo López, head of Aena’s Technology Watch Department, argued that the importance of developing a system such as ASPRID lies in the fact that “drone incursions pose an ever-increasing threat to airport operations”. "It is important that all stakeholders work on new procedures and technologies to tackle these issues", he added.

Key project outcomes include the development of a service-oriented operational concept and a system architecture to protect airport operations from unauthorised drones, as well as the implementation of a human-machine interface (ASPRID HMI) and the creation of a validation platform.

"A laboratory test has been carried out in the form of a 'gaming exercise' involving air traffic controllers from Enaire, experts from Aena’s Security and Operations divisions, and staff from the State Secretariat for Security, who have validated the system", he explained.

This two-year European project has been funded by the European Union and brought together the expertise and resources of seven European organisations, including airport infrastructure managers and air navigation service providers, public research centres and SMEs, specifically, the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), project coordinator; Enaire, Aena, Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA), Aerospace Laboratory for Innovative Components (ALI Scarl), Soul Software SRL and the Italian Aerospace Research Centre (CIRA).

ASPRID is part of the SESAR research and innovation programme, the technological pillar of the ‘Single European Sky’ initiative, which coordinates EU research and development activities in the field of air traffic control.

Source: Europa Press.

Innovación

25 October 2022

The biometrics project at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport rewarded by Airports Council International

The world-first pilot scheme has been recognised as the ‘Best Innovation in Passenger-Related Processes’.

The system has enabled passengers to complete the entire journey to the aircraft using facial recognition, without needing to show any documentation. Following the success of this project, Aena has begun rolling out the biometric service across its network of airports.

The aim is to share technological initiatives and digital processes that improve the passenger experience whilst passing through airports.

Airports Council International (ACI) and Amadeus have recognised Aena’s biometrics project, developed at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport as the ‘Best Innovation in Passenger-Related Processes’. This award for technological innovation was presented during the ACI Annual General Assembly (WAGA 2022), which is taking place from 22 to 28 October in Marrakesh.

The most innovative aspect of this pilot scheme, carried out in 2022, was the provision of a biometric service throughout the passenger’s journey, from home to the aircraft door, without the need to show any identification documents. This is the most comprehensive biometric project ever undertaken at an Aena airport as it enables all airport processes to be carried out using this technology: identity registration and verification from home or at the airport, baggage check-in, access to security screening and boarding.

Aena’s Director of Innovation, Sustainability and Customer Experience and Chief Green Officer, Amparo Brea, stated that “we are proud to have received this award, which recognises the joint efforts of all the teams at Aena who have taken part in the project, as well as the partners with whom we have collaborated to carry out a real trial of biometrics that is a world first”.

The pilot project has been developed jointly by Aena, airline Vueling, and a group of technology companies comprising Easier, IDEMIA, Indra, Materna-ips and Mobbeel.

Biometric roll-out at airports

Following the success of this initiative, Amparo Brea stated that “the large-scale roll-out of the biometric service at Aena network airports has begun”. According to the Director of Innovation, Sustainability and Customer Experience, this “is a clear example of Aena’s commitment to being international leaders in the use of digital tools, with the aim of optimising the passenger experience, increasing airport operational efficiency and developing new business opportunities centred on sustainable mobility”.

The roll-out of biometric technology at Aena’s airports is part of the company’s Strategic Digital Identity Programme, which aims to use biometric technology at as many points as possible within the airport, creating a secure, seamless and comfortable experience for passengers throughout their journey.

Innovación

26 July 2022

Aena is preparing the second edition of its start-up accelerator, Aena Ventures, to continue driving innovation

Aena has launched the second edition of its start-up accelerator, Aena Ventures, and the company is already preparing the second call for applications, which will set out new challenges aimed at further improving the airport sector and making it more innovative.

According to the operator, a total of 254 projects from 33 different countries took part in the first edition, with more than half of the proposals coming from abroad, and challenges included streamlining administrative procedures and journeys to the airport, the passenger experience, passenger communication, sustainability and baggage management as a whole.

It is worth noting that, in recent years, Aena has been developing a number of innovation initiatives which have culminated in a strategic plan to align objectives and optimise the resources allocated to innovation.

The main tools for innovation within the company are organised through product or service validation projects and, in line with this, in 2021 it launched this first edition with the aim of bringing managers closer to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of start-ups, their vision of change and how to implement it.

The experience of the first edition of the Aena Ventures programme yielded positive results both for the start-ups –which were able to develop their solutions, work and gain first-hand insight into the airport environment– and for Aena, which has discovered a new, more streamlined and innovative way of working; the company also emphasised the benefits of incorporating open innovation into its strategy.

This programme also included up to 50,000 euros in funding to launch the pilot scheme, and successful projects have the opportunity to secure a direct contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to roll it out on a large scale across the entire company.

The Aena Ventures space is located in the former control tower at Terminal 2 of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), where a workspace has been fitted out to provide start-ups with a real-life airport environment.

During the six-month acceleration period, start-ups and various Aena teams worked side by side to design, plan and implement a pilot project for each challenge in a real-world setting. All these projects were carried out at Barcelona Airport, which served as a testing ground for the five proposed solutions.

Aena has now launched the tender process for technical assistance to prepare all the necessary groundwork to launch the next edition of its accelerator programme, and will soon be providing further information on its website, www.aenaventures.com.

Source: Europa Press.

Innovación

04 July 2022

Aena is driving digitalisation to improve passenger services, efficiency and sustainability

Aena has launched a Strategic Plan for Innovation and Digital Transformation to carry out “cutting-edge technological projects aimed at streamlining processes and developing new services”. According to the state-owned company, the goal is to improve the passenger experience, operational efficiency and sustainability at airports.

The airport manager has therefore launched a new website and an app for users to access the various services it offers, all of which comply with AA accessibility standards. "Both platforms have increased their efficiency and improved their global reach, with a design better suited to new technologies", he explained.

You can now book a space in the car park via the website or the app, with payment options via mobile or by number plate, and discounts for cars with a ‘zero emissions’ environmental badge.

It is also possible to book access to VIP lounges and priority security screening (‘fast track’), request assistance for people with reduced mobility (PRM) or other special services.

AENA MAPS, FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND THE AIRPORT

In addition, Aena Maps –the new platform guide with maps of the inside of the airport– is available via the Aena website and app. It enables passengers to find their location and search for points of interest, as well as calculate the best route and check distances and journey times.

This tool also offers services for travellers with reduced mobility, meeting their need for accessibility, and provides other useful information such as how long it is currently taking to go through the security checkpoints.

The company has also set up new e-commerce portals for passengers. Aenatravel.com makes it easy to access a range of services for planning your trip: from booking flights and accommodation to purchasing tickets, activities and insurance.

ONLINE SHOPPING AT RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS

Other digital transformation projects by Aena include FoodtoFly.es and ShoptoFly.es. The first is a new catering service that allows passengers to order food online from participating outlets, check the preparation time and collect their order, thereby minimising waiting times at the airport.

This service is currently available at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and its presence will be expanded to the rest of the Aena network airports over the course of this year.

ShoptoFly is an online retail platform that gives greater visibility to airport shop fronts participating in the project, which can sell their products using the ‘reserve and collect’ option for duty-free shops and the ‘click and collect’ option for all others.

This is already possible at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Aena reports that work is under way to introduce a home delivery service, smart lockers or collection points at the airport in the near future.

Finally, the new Aena Club loyalty scheme offers special benefits and promotions for its car park, VIP lounge and marketplace services, as well as other products from external partners working with the airport manager.

Source: Europa Press.

Innovación

24 June 2022

Aena and Aeroporti di Roma have added Athens and Côte d’Azur airports to the Airports for Innovation network

The four airport operators account for around 15% of passenger traffic in Europe

The goal is to share technological initiatives and digital processes that improve the passenger experience whilst passing through airports

Aena has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports for Innovation network, focused on finding innovative and sustainable solutions for the recovery of the aviation sector in a post-pandemic context and on collaboration between various international airport operators.

The Airports for Innovation network was founded a year ago by Aena and Aeroporti di Roma. Under this new Memorandum of Understanding, Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur and Athens International Airport have joined the network with the aim of sharing technological initiatives and optimising digital processes to enhance the passenger experience. The four airport operators account for around 15% of passenger traffic in Europe.

The MoU was signed during the 32nd Annual Congress and General Assembly of ACI Europe by Javier Marín, Executive Managing Director of Aena Airports; Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma; Franck Goldnadel, CEO of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur; and Yiannis Paraschis, CEO of Athens International Airport.

“It is a great source of satisfaction for Aena to continue making progress towards our goal of encouraging collaboration between airports worldwide to promote joint innovative solutions aimed at sustainable growth in the sector and at improving the experience of our passengers”, said Javier Marín, Executive Managing Director of Aena Airports. “The introduction of new technologies and digital transformation are essential for sector recovery, and it is a pleasure to have major operators within this international network with whom we can share high-quality, efficient initiatives.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fact that airports are key drivers of the economy, playing a crucial role in restoring global connectivity and traveller confidence. In this context, the Airports for Innovation network serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and innovative, sustainable ideas that ensure the highest levels of passenger satisfaction and safety.

Aena and the other signatory operators will work on an ‘open innovation’ concept with external stakeholders (start-ups, universities, external companies, etc.) to identify sustainable solutions as part of the airport sector’s green transition; and to drive forward the digital transformation process so that the use of new technologies offers passengers a smooth, contactless experience at airports.

About the Airports for Innovation members: Aeroporti di Roma, an Atlantia Group company, manages Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Italy and conducts other commercial activities related to airport management.

Athens International Airport is a public-private partnership. Since 2001, it has welcomed more than 320 million passengers and has won major international accolades and awards thanks to its first-class services.

Finally, Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur manages Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, the second busiest in France, as well as Cannes Mandelieu and Golfe de Saint-Tropez airports. It is Europe’s second-largest business aviation operator.

Innovación

18 January 2022

Aena uses drones to check and calibrate PAPI systems at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

This is the first time this task has been carried out at Madrid-Barajas using drones

It is a project that meets all the safety requirements set by the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA)

It took place at night to coordinate the flight with day-to-day airport operations

Aena promotes the use of technological solutions to make processes and services in the airport environment more efficient

As part of the Strategic Innovation Plan and under the ‘Efficient Use of Resources’ programme, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport has checked and calibrated PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) systems, as well as inspecting runway and approach lights using a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). This is the first time that this task has been carried out using drones at Madrid airport.

With this initiative, Aena aims to demonstrate the viability of using drones for this type of inspection to improve operational efficiency by reducing inspection and calibration times, increasing reliability, achieving greater cost-efficiency and operating in a more sustainable manner.

This initiative by Aena, in partnership with the operator Canard Drones, was carried out at night to ensure that the flight did not interfere with day-to-day airport operations. The unmanned aircraft flight was monitored from the control tower by ENAIRE, the air traffic services provider at Madrid Airport.

Tests were carried out in compliance with the safety requirements laid down by AESA, the State Aviation Safety Agency, for operating an unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace.

The use of unmanned aircraft or RPAS, as well as other innovative ideas currently being rolled out by Aena, represent an emerging asset for the organisation. They aim to promote the use of technological solutions that make processes and services within the airport environment more efficient.

Innovación

26 November 2021

Aena Ventures has concluded its acceleration programme with a Demo Day for start-ups to present their initiatives

After six months of work, the winning companies could secure contracts worth up to 2 million euros with Aena to roll out their idea.

The goal of the programme was to develop smart solutions to improve the customer experience in the airport environment.

The Aena Ventures acceleration programme has reached its final stage by holding Demo Day at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. After six months of work, the five selected start-ups had the opportunity to present their initiatives to Aena’s Management Committee, demonstrating the viability of their ideas within the airport environment.

Throughout the process, the start-ups have been supported by mentors and Innovation Managers from Aena –experts and specialists in the airport sector– to develop their ideas, addressing the five challenges set out in the call for proposals: passenger communication, airport sustainability, passenger experience, baggage handling and travel to the airport.

After assessing the proposals from each start-up, successful pilot projects will be eligible for a contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to roll out the full project across the company.

Smart solutions to enhance the customer experience
Aena Ventures start-ups have worked towards developing smart solutions to enhance the customer experience and drive initiatives that develop disruptive technologies in an innovative, sustainable and efficient manner, in order to provide solutions to the current and future challenges facing the air transport sector.
Airbot launched a chatbot to answer passenger queries at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. A multilingual chatbot –available in Spanish, Catalan and English– that would be integrated into Aena’s website and app.

Carwatt carried out a project to decarbonise transport at airports, involving the conversion of diesel vehicles to fully electric vehicles using reusable batteries and components.

Chinespain launched an app aimed at Chinese passengers, providing all relevant information about Barcelona and Madrid airports in their own language; it also offers online booking and payment via their platforms (WeChat and Alipay).
‘Baggage as a whole’ was the project presented by Dubz. A luggage collection service from the location specified by the user in the city of Barcelona, including check-in and drop-off. The passenger’s sole task: collect it at their end destination.

And finally, Meep developed ‘Meep Barcelona by Aena’. This is the first MaaS (Mobility as a Service) scheme to connect a city’s transport network –by integrating different modes of transport onto a single platform– with indoor navigation through Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, as well as up-to-date flight information.
In this first edition of Aena Ventures, a total of 254 projects were submitted from 33 different countries, with 55% of the proposals coming from abroad.

Innovación

September 1, 2021

The start-ups taking part in the Aena Ventures accelerator have already implemented their pilot projects in an airport environment

The acceleration period began just over 3 months ago with a Welcome Week, held at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

The accelerator has been developing innovative projects in the fields of passenger communication, airport sustainability, passenger experience, luggage handling and travel to the airport

The start-ups selected will be eligible for contracts with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to roll out their idea

The five start-ups taking part in Aena Ventures already have their pilot projects up and running in an airport environment, as part of the acceleration process that Aena is carrying out with the aim of boosting initiatives that develop disruptive technologies in an innovative, sustainable and efficient way.

In just over 3 months since this programme began, at the Welcome Week held at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the start-ups have put their ideas into operation thanks to the work that has been supervised by mentors and Innovation Managers at Aena. Each company will outline the details of its pilot, which will be carried out during the 6 months that the acceleration programme will last.

Five pilots under way

The start-ups that are part of Aena Ventures have been working with the aim of finding smart solutions to improve the customer experience, in response to the five challenges specified in the tender: passenger communication, airport sustainability, passenger experience, luggage handling and travel to the airport.

Airbot's "Chatbot" is now ready. The conversation app, now in testing, answers any questions that passengers at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport might have. It is available on the Aena website, its mobile application and via WhatsApp, platforms that have been used by over 5,000 users in the last month. The automatic agent is multilingual, Spanish, Catalan and English, and can be tested at https://wa.me/34634851130?text=Hola!+¿cómo+me+puedes+ayudar?

The sustainability challenge is addressed by Carwatt, which has developed a project involving decarbonisation in airport mobility by converting diesel combustion vehicles to fully electric vehicles, using reusable batteries and components. This pilot, in collaboration with one of the main handling agents operating at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, makes it possible to do away with the emissions associated with these vehicles and to give them a broader purpose, one that is consistent with the needs of society and the environment and optimises the current market options in terms of mobility.

"Hi China!" in the area of passenger experience. Chinespain has launched an app for Chinese passengers with all the information of interest in their language on the airports of Barcelona and Madrid; online booking and payment through their platforms (Wechat and Alipay). Interest in this app has been significant in the last two months, with more than 27,000 impacts on China's leading social networks (Wechat, Weibo and Xiaohonghu) thanks to this pilot, and over 100 passengers have used this method to access the airport's services.

The Dubz test project is called "Baggage as a whole". With this service, passengers will not have to worry about their luggage when checking in, since this company will collect it at the point in the city of Barcelona specified by the user and check it. The passenger only needs to pick it up at the final destination.

And finally, the company Meep has brought its project to life by turning it into "Meep Barcelona by Aena". This is the first MaaS (Mobility as a Service) that connects a city's mobility, by integrating different means of transport on a single platform, with the indoor guide at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, as well as with updated flight information.

At the end of the acceleration period, which will run through October, the start-ups will showcase their experience with the pilots at the final event of the process, Aena Ventures Demo Day, where the feasibility of implementing them in an airport environment will be presented.

In addition, each start-up will be eligible for contracts with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to develop and roll out their idea at select airports.

Innovación

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