News about innovation

21 July 2021

Aena and Aeroporti di Roma have joined forces to promote innovation as the key to a safe travel experience and have launched the international network ‘Airports for Innovation’

To this end, the two airport managers have signed the first Memorandum of Understanding aimed at finding innovative solutions to enable aviation sector recovery in a post-pandemic context

The aim is to work together to speed up the roll-out of new technologies and digital processes that will enable passengers to enjoy a contactless and safe experience whilst passing through airports

Aena and Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) have just signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on innovation and collaboration between the two international airport operators.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed this morning by Amparo Brea, Director of Innovation, Sustainability and Customer Experience at Aena, and Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma.

COVID-19 in 2020 had a major impact on the tourism and travel industries and, specifically, on air transport. Passenger expectations have changed dramatically, giving priority to health and safety measures.

In this context, both Aena and ADR have taken on the responsibility of helping passengers regain their confidence, thereby restoring connectivity and focusing on accelerating the roll-out of new technologies and digital processes to offer travellers a contactless and safe airport experience.

Given their shared view on the need to ‘innovate to restart’, Aena and ADR have decided to join forces to find innovative solutions that cover the entire passenger experience in a post-pandemic world.

“It is a great pleasure for Aena to work closely with ADR on initiatives to recover the sector through innovation”, said Amparo Brea, Director of Innovation, Sustainability and Customer Experience at Aena. “The introduction of new technologies and innovative processes is essential for the present and future development of Aena and the airport sector. Incorporating innovation and digitalisation as drivers of business is a measure that features in the strategic and growth plans of leading companies 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 in order to be sustainable. The air transport sector is undergoing a period of change, and it is at this time –marked by the pandemic crisis– that innovation and digitalisation play their most important role, acting as catalysts that help us to better understand the new situation and adapt to it. We therefore view collaboration within the sector, in this case with ADR, as a very positive step towards achieving these objectives together. "

The main areas of interest in which the association will seek innovative projects are: seamless travel, the Internet of Things, automation, digital passenger information, smart operations, smart energy, e-commerce and maintenance 4.0.

Aena’s Innovation, Sustainability and Customer Experience division, led by Amparo Brea Álvarez, will work alongside the Aeroporti di Roma Innovation and Quality department, led by Emanuele Calà, to regularly organise ‘Calls for Ideas’ aimed at third parties, such as universities, to fuel and enrich the idea-generation process.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with our international partner Aena on an initiative that is so crucial for our sector”, said Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma. “Since the early stages of the pandemic, ADR has been consistently investing in the implementation of new solutions to provide passengers with the healthiest possible experience whilst supporting the relaunch of the aviation industry: not only have we implemented safety measures for which we have received international recognition from organisations such as Skytrax and the UNWTO, but we have also worked tirelessly to pioneer the launch of the COVID-free flight protocol, which has now been rolled out globally. In this regard, alongside sustainability, innovation is one of our key priorities: from biometric technologies to collaborative innovation –an area we are constantly promoting within our company– we are keen to work with Aena and develop new ideas together that can benefit the entire sector."

The next step will be to expand the team, welcoming other international airports to work together to devise clear and simple processes and rules. With this in mind, today’s agreement marks the launch of the ‘Airports for Innovation’ network, dedicated to optimising processes and improving the passenger experience by developing user-friendly, innovative and sustainable solutions and testing effective models.

An Atlantia Group company, Aeroporti di Roma manages Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Italy, and conducts other commercial activities related to airport management.

Innovación

12 April 2021

Aena sets up its international start-up accelerator at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

The Aena Ventures programme provides €50,000 in funding to each of the five selected start-ups, which will be eligible for contracts worth up to €2 million with Aena.

Participating start-ups will be based in the iconic control tower at Terminal T2 of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

The accelerator will develop innovation projects in the areas of airport transport, passenger experience, passenger communication, airport sustainability and baggage handling.

The acceleration period will begin with the Aena Ventures Welcome Week, set to take place from 12 to 16 April in Barcelona.

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport will be home to the international start-up accelerator Aena has set up to promote innovation and technology in its strategic business areas. Aena Ventures will promote initiatives that develop disruptive technologies in an innovative, sustainable and efficient manner to provide solutions to the current and future challenges facing the air transport sector.

The five start-ups taking part in Aena Ventures, from France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Spain, will be based in the iconic control tower next to Terminal T2, where they will be supported by mentors who are experts in the airport sector to develop projects that harness the benefits of technology and new business models in airport infrastructure, and to create smart systems to enhance the customer experience.

Each project will receive €50,000 in funding to put its ideas into practice. Each of them is also in with a chance of securing a contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros for the development and roll-out of their idea at selected airports.

The acceleration process for these start-up projects will begin with the Aena Ventures Welcome Week. The in-person event will take place in Barcelona from 12 to 16 April, incorporating all the necessary health and hygiene measures to ensure the safety of the event and all its participants. It is a week packed with activities and workshops for start-ups, with initiatives including working groups to finalise the details of the pilot project that each company will carry out over the six months of the acceleration programme.

Companies from 33 countries have applied to take part in the programme

Aena has selected the participants for the Aena Ventures programme following a process in which 254 projects were submitted, 55% of which were international, coming from 33 different countries. The call for proposals has focused on developing ideas to address five future challenges facing the airport sector: streamlining procedures and travel to the airport, passenger experience, passenger communication, sustainability and baggage handling.

Spanish company Meep will be developing a project to plan routes by combining all modes of transport, including integrated ticketing and analysis of the least congested routes.

Another Spanish company, Chinespain, will facilitate tourist experiences between China and Spain and is proposing the development of an app to enable communication and more streamlined payment processing for travellers from China.

Founded in the United Kingdom, Airbot offers technology for effective communication between airports and passengers, improving their relationship with a multi-channel chat solution.

Carwatt, a French company, has launched an initiative to convert combustion-engine vehicles to electric power, which could help reduce pollutant gas emissions at airports.

And Dubz, based in the United Arab Emirates, is committed to an innovative solution that involves facilitating the collection, check-in and delivery of luggage to homes and to hotel guests on the day of their journey.

At the end of the acceleration programme, which will run until October, the start-ups will showcase their achievements at the programme’s closing event, the Aena Ventures Demo Day, where they will demonstrate the viability of their application in the airport environment.

Innovación

26 February 2021

Aena selects innovation projects for its acceleration programme

A total of 254 projects from 33 countries took part in the call for proposals

The five winning start-ups will carry out a pilot project with Aena with a budget of up to €50,000 and will be in the running for a contract worth up to €2 million

The Aena Ventures accelerator, launched by the world’s leading airport operator by passenger number, has now selected the projects that will form part of its first acceleration programme, which aims to address the five challenges set out by the organisation:

Streamlined processes and travel to the airport
Passenger experience
Passenger communication
Sustainability
Baggage as a whole

This first edition has been very well received, with a total of 254 projects submitted by participants from 33 different countries, 55% of which were international entries.

The start-ups selected for each of the challenges are:

Meep. This Spanish company presented a project that enables users to plan journeys by combining all modes of transport, including integrated ticket purchasing and analysis of the least congested routes, offering a suitable solution to the challenge of Streamlined processes and travel to the airport.
Chinespain. Also based in Spain, the company facilitates tourist experiences between China and Spain and is proposing the development of an app to enable communication and more streamlined payment processing for travellers from China, as part of the Passenger Experience challenge.
Airbot. Founded in Portugal, it offers technology that facilitates effective communication between airports and passengers, improving their relationship with a multi-channel chat solution, thereby addressing the challenge of Passenger Communication.
Carwatt. This French company submitted an initiative to convert combustion-engine vehicles to electric power, which could help reduce pollutant gas emissions at airports, in line with the Sustainability challenge.
Dubz. The innovative solution proposed by this company from the United Arab Emirates involves facilitating the same-day collection, check-in and delivery of luggage to homes and hotel guests as part of the Baggage as a whole challenge.

The acceleration programme for these five start-up projects will begin in March, kicking off with Welcome Week – a week packed with activities and workshops for the start-ups. These group work sessions aim to finalise the details of the pilot project that each company will carry out over the six-month period of the acceleration programme.

The Aena Ventures programme will be supervised by experts and mentors from Aena –knowledgeable specialists in the airport sector– to help shape the start-ups’ ideas, and will provide funding of up to €50,000 to implement the pilot project. Successful pilots will also be in line for a contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to roll out the full project across the company.

Innovación

17 February 2021

Aena is taking part in a project aimed at researching technologies to protect airports against drone intrusions

Known as ASPRID, the project will pave the way for the future development of procedures and technologies to address drone incursions and their impact on airport operations

Spanning two years, it combines the expertise and resources of seven European organisations from different sectors

It receives funding from SESAR under the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme

Aena is part of a consortium that has been selected to carry out an R&D&I project, known as ASPRID (Airport System Protection from Intruding Drones), as part of the European Union Horizon 2020 programme. The project is investigating innovative ways to protect airports from drone incursions.

The aim is to lay the foundations to develop procedures and technologies to tackle these intrusions and their impact on airport operations. Although there is currently a wide range of innovative research and development solutions capable of detecting and neutralising so-called unauthorised drone flights, these are not suited to the airport environment.

The companies participating in the ASPRID project aim to develop a service-oriented operational concept and a system architecture to protect airport operations from unauthorised drones. To this end, the project will analyse aircraft and airport operations (both airside and landside) to identify potential vulnerabilities.

The aim is to identify potential technologies, procedures and regulations that could help the airport sector recover from any disruption as quickly and efficiently as possible.

There are many advantages to adopting an integrated approach to tackling drone incursions:

Improved operational efficiency and cost savings at the airport by managing operational flow and minimising the cost of disruptions caused by drone intrusions.
Improved security by raising awareness of threats and preventing or mitigating their effects.
Supporting the economy and the environment by promoting the safe use of unmanned vehicles for airport services and creating new market opportunities relating to drones and systems to protect airports from them.
Regulation: support for drones and U-space by defining the characteristics of areas where drones are not permitted to fly under any circumstances or subject to restrictions due to the risk to the airport in terms of safety and security.

The consortium

The project will run for two years and involves seven European organisations from Spain, Italy and France, all of which are experts in the various sectors concerned: airports, research, innovative technologies, drone operations, IT, and security and safety.

The companies that make up the consortium are:

Aena
Aerospace Laboratory for Innovative components (ALI Scarl)
Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA)
ENAIRE
Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA)
Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA)
SoulSoftware SRL

Furthermore, the ASPRID project is funded by SESAR under the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, pursuant to grant agreement No. 892036.

Innovación

February 11, 2021

Facial Recognition Pilot Project at Madrid Airport to be Extended for Contactless Passenger Experience

The AENA airports authority plus Iberia, Inetum and Thales are partnering in this ambitious project, supported by Spain’s Industrial Technology Development Centre (CDTI).

It allows the biometric detection of passengers using tablet-type mobile equipment.

The aim is to increase security and speed procedures in an airport with numerous flights to many different destinations.

It implies seeking innovative ways of operating in the air travel industry to comply with the new health safety measures implemented following the Covid-19 outbreak.

The national airports authority AENA is part of the consortium which includes Iberia, Inetum, and Thales, which is to carry out an R+D project with the aim of seeking new ways to operate in the air travel industry with the new health measures imposed since the Covid-19 outbreak.

The proposed project allows the biometric detection of passengers thanks to the use of tablet-type mobile equipment, which will improve their airport experience by streamlining the entire process and elimination all physical contact, enhancing still further the safety of all airport procedures.

The use of such mobile equipment also incorporates the concept of mobility, meaning that a limited number of units will be sufficient to deal with a large number of flights to different destinations. In addition, the system boasts improved detection capabilities, making it possible to identify passengers even when they are wearing face masks.

The initiative is being supported by the CDTI, Spain’s industrial technology development agency, through a research and development cooperation programme, thus contributing to the improvement of the technological level and the digitisation of Spanish enterprises via the development of innovative ideas.

For this R+D programme, in compliance wither the new measures of contactless security, the facial recognition programme deployed at the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, now in the pilot project stage, will serve in the development of new functionalities, integrating them into a single listing process by means of a dedicated application and security and boarding controls.

With this aim, leading companies in their respective industries have joined to achieve the necessary development and validation Iberia, as and airline, Inetum, as a systems integration company, Thales, as a provider of biometric technologies and identity validation processes, and AENA, as operator of Spanish airports, with responsibility for the intermediate integration systems between airline and biometric engine.

19 January 2021

Aena is carrying out a pilot scheme at Ceuta Heliport using drones to monitor wildlife

The project meets all required safety standards and has been approved by the Air Force Staff

The test was carried out using a falcon-shaped drone to greater deter local wildlife

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

Ceuta Heliport has hosted a pilot scheme to control wildlife using drones. Part of the ‘Aena Airport 4.0’ strategy, the exercise served to test the capabilities that these unmanned aircraft, or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft), in an area that is essential for operational safety at heliports and airports.

Sponsored by Aena in conjunction with the operator Arquimea, this initiative has been trialled for the first time, but it will be rolled out on a longer-term basis over the coming months. The aim is to study the actual effectiveness of drones in deterring birds from the surrounding area on site and as part of the day-to-day operations at the heliport and, in doing so, minimising the risk of collisions with helicopters.

To reinforce this deterrent effect, the drone used was designed to resemble a falcon, bearing in mind that wildlife control operations are usually carried out using birds of prey.

The flight in the so-called ‘falcodrone’ fully complied with all safety requirements and was approved by the Air Force Staff.

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

10 September 2020

Aena extends the deadline for applications to its start-up acceleration programme

Companies can register at www.aenaventures.com until 14 October

It offers the opportunity to secure a contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros for the development and roll-out of the idea

Aena has extended the deadline for applications to Aena Ventures, following the interest this call for applications has generated amongst start-ups and the calibre of the proposals received. Entrepreneurs have until 14 October to apply to take part in the challenges set: Efficiency in administrative procedures and airport transfers, Passenger experience, Passenger communication, Sustainability, Baggage handling.

This first initiative to accelerate start-ups from around the world aims to select these five projects, based on innovation and technology, for subsequent development within airport infrastructure.

Selected companies will be supported by mentors who are experts in the airport sector to help them develop their ideas and proposals; they will also be provided with premises and funding of €50,000 for implementation. Furthermore, there is the opportunity to secure a contract with Aena worth up to 2 million euros to develop and roll-out the idea at selected airports.

Start-ups wishing to take part can register at www.aenaventures.com.

Innovación

30 July 2020

Aena uses drones to inspect the airfield at Almería Airport

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

The flight was coordinated 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 ‘Aena Airport 4.0’ strategy, Almería Airport has carried out a pilot project using drones to test the new capabilities offered by these unmanned aircraft (RPAS-Remotely Piloted Aircraft) in various airport environments.

This initiative by Aena, in collaboration with the operator Canard Drones, involves the use of drones within airport installations and in controlled airspace, which means ensuring that the flight of these aircraft is compatible with day-to-day airport operations.

Tests at Almería Airport took place between Monday and Wednesday this week and were supervised by Enaire from the control tower. Drones carried out tasks relating to regular maintenance and inspection work on an airport airfield (inspecting the runway surface, checking the operation of air navigation aids, etc.).

All in compliance with the safety requirements laid down by the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) for the operation of an unmanned aircraft flight 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

July 9, 2020

Aena announces a call to accelerate five start-ups in airport and commercial management projects

First initiative by the Aena Ventures accelerator as an innovation driver of the company

Each project will receive up to €50,000 in funding

Start-ups can register at www.aenaventures.com until 14 September

Aena promotes innovation and technology and is committed to accelerating start-ups which dovetail with its strategic business areas. With this in mind, it has announced a call aimed at driving disruptive technologies in an innovative, sustainable and efficient way which will help deliver solutions to the current and future challenges facing the air transport industry.

The call is addressed to start-ups from all over the world who are invited to sign up for this first initiative.

Aena will be looking for projects which leverage the advantages of technology and new business models in airport infrastructures and develop smart systems to enhance the customer experience.

The start-ups chosen will be guided by expert mentors in the airport industry to shape their ideas and proposals and also get physical facilities and €50,000 in funding for implementation. They may additionally have the chance to enter into an agreement with Aena worth up to €2 million for development and deployment of the idea in the selected airports.

The programme will address five challenges:

Agility in procedures and travel to the airport
Passenger experience
Passenger communication
Sustainability
Baggage as a whole

As for the calendar, entrepreneurs from all over the world keen to become part of Aena Ventures have until 14 September to present their projects with the aim of starting the acceleration this year in 2020.

The six-month acceleration programme will begin in December 2020 and run until May 2021, when start-ups will showcase their achievements to Aena at the final event called Demo Day.

Start-ups interested in joining the programme can register at www.aenaventures.com.

Innovación

02 July 2020

Aena is trialling drones to inspect the airfield at Burgos Airport

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

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

As part of Aena’s innovation strategy, Burgos Airport has carried out a pilot project involving drones at its facilities to test the new capabilities offered by these unmanned RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) in various areas of the airport.

This initiative by Aena, in partnership with the operator Canard Drones, has been launched with the aim of using drones within an airport in controlled airspace; in other words, ensuring that drone flights are compatible with day-to-day airport operations.

These trial operations carried out by Aena using drones involved work relating to periodical maintenance and inspection tasks on an airport airfield.

These tests were carried out in compliance with the safety requirements laid down by AESA, the State Aviation Safety Agency, for the operation of an unmanned aircraft.

The use of unmanned aircraft or RPAS, as well as other innovative initiatives being undertaken 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

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