Innovation: Virtual Reality Training Simulator at the Airspace Integration Week 2023

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From September 25th to 28th, Madrid was the epicenter for aviation and space navigation, alongside cutting-edge drone technology, during the international event Airspace Integration Week 2023.

ENAIRE, leading air traffic management company in Spain, showcased a range of innovative simulators and state-of-the-art displays, while actively participating in high-level conferences.

Virtual Reality Training Simulator

One of the standout achievements of this event was the unveiling of a virtual reality training simulator for air traffic controllers. This tool empowers future air traffic controllers to gain experience within a virtual environment, preparing them for the complexities that can arise in air traffic management.

The iFOCUCS display proved to be another highlight, demonstrating the capabilities of the groundbreaking air traffic control position. This state-of-the-art technology not only enhances airspace management but also symbolizes the industry’s commitment to progress and efficiency.

In addition, the ICARO Maps and Flow Tools screens, sophisticated traffic flow management tools, aim to provide real-time critical information for air traffic control, further streamlining operations and ensuring safety. This includes real-time data on flights, weather conditions, and more.

Airspace Integration Week 2023

The significance of technology and innovation in the aviation industry was the main focus during Airspace Integration Week 2023. Such advancements not only enhance safety but also redefine the learning curve, ensuring a new generation of controllers is well-prepared to navigate the evolving airspace landscape.

Furthermore, the discussions held at the event delved into key industry topics, ranging from cutting-edge air navigation systems to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and satellite navigation. Collectively, these advancements propel the aviation and space navigation industry forward, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The event exemplified how technology and innovation continue to be the driving forces behind the industry’s progress, shaping the future of air travel and navigation on a global scale.

Airspace Integration Week 2023 relies on three foundational pillars: the advancement of air traffic management, the evolution of drone operations management (U-Space), and the space traffic management.

Airspace Integration Week 2023 not only was a transformative event in the realm of air and space navigation but also underscored the potential of advanced technology within the industry, setting new standards for the future.

For more new, visit our blog.

Source: Enaire.es

Navigating the Challenges of Seaport Technology Adoption

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The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, and seaports worldwide are increasingly leveraging technology to optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability. However, the adoption of new technologies in seaports comes with its fair share of challenges. From cost considerations to interoperability issues, change management, and cybersecurity concerns, seaports face several hurdles when it comes to implementing technology solutions.

Let’s explore the best practices and lessons learned from successful seaports in navigating these challenges and achieving successful technology adoption in their daily operations.

Conducting Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost is a significant consideration in seaport technology adoption. It is essential to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis before embarking on any technology adoption initiative. This includes evaluating the upfront costs of technology acquisition, installation, and integration, as well as ongoing operational costs, maintenance, and potential return on investment (ROI).

Ensuring Interoperability and Compatibility

Interoperability and compatibility among different technologies and systems are critical for successful technology adoption in seaports. Seaports rely on a wide range of technologies, such as terminal operating systems, cargo tracking systems, security solutions, and communication networks. Check out our Suite AIMS as an example of how you can integrate different systems with each other to operate in a more efficient way.

Managing Change and Stakeholder Engagement

Change management and stakeholder engagement are vital aspects of successful technology adoption in seaports. Technology adoption often involves changes in processes, workflows, and job roles, which can be difficult to assimilate for employees and stakeholders. It’s important to make sure that technology, more than a challenge, is a tool beneficial for everyone.

Prioritizing Cybersecurity

Technology is a wonderful tool, but the more we use it, the more vulnerable we are to cyber attacks. With increasing reliance on technology, seaports are also exposed to cybersecurity risks. Cyber threats can compromise critical systems and data, leading to operational disruptions and financial losses. Seaports, as any other place that works with technology, should prioritize cybersecurity in their technology adoption initiatives by implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and employee awareness training.

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) started 2022 with a plan to establish a maritime cybersecurity roundtable to improve cybersecurity partnerships, access to digital maritime tools and skills, as well as boosting research and development of new maritime technologies. It also contemplated expanding the Sea Transport Industry Digital Plan to allow 3,000 small and medium-sized businesses to apply for co-funding assistance to receive support for adopting digital tools.

There’s plenty of seaports around the world that have implemented new technologies with success, and we can learn from their experiences to find new solutions and overcome challenges. Besides the ports mentioned above, we can also take as an example the Port of Barcelona in Spain, which successfully implemented a digital platform that provides real-time visibility and transparency in port operations, enabling better coordination and resource allocation. Recently, they have increased their computing capacity, faster processing speed, and enhanced security measures for delivering services via PORTIC, the Port of Barcelona’s Port Community System (PCS).

Embracing digital transformation and technology innovation will help you to stay competitive in the global shipping industry. Which of the challenges described above would you address first? Let us know in the comments below.

Digital Credentials at Aruba Airport

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The Government of Aruba, along with aviation technology company SITA and digital identity verification company IndicioTech, has introduced a new way to simplify the travel process for passengers arriving on the island.

The use of Digital Travel credentials (DTC) technology has made it possible for travelers to meet immigration requirements before reaching their destination.

This DTC technology has eliminated the need for passengers to manually enter their travel document information by hand, optimizing the travel authorization process.

Thanks to this, passengers can share their data through digital wallets and from their mobile devices at checkpoints such as immigration or other points of contact such as hotels or car rental companies.

The DTC technology is reliable and complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This means that passengers can create their digital credentials with their physical passports, and the data will be stored in the digital wallet.

A Success Story…

Due to the pandemic that occurred in 2020, tests were carried out on DTC technology for the health management of travelers regarding COVID vaccines and tests.

The Minister of Tourism and Public Health of Aruba, Dangui Oduber, highlighted that “innovation within the tourism industry has always been a focal point in our strategic vision and policy formulation. We are pleased that Aruba is part of this innovative progress, which ensures quality and excellence for all our visitors.”

This makes it clear that innovation and new technologies are also present in Aruba as part of the strategic and visionary expansion of tourism on the island.

Finally, simplification is also part of the aviation industry, which increasingly seeks automation in its processes, recognizing that there are more benefits to optimizing controls.

 

Sustainable technology in the maritime sector

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The world is transforming, and technology has become a sustainable resource at all levels.

New technological tools have contributed to taking not only the infrastructure, but also the development of optimal environmental solutions to the next level.

We know that maritime transport is considerably one of the most important means of transportation. However, over the years, it has been one of the most polluting.

Despite this, thanks to technological development, it is allowing maritime transport to become more sustainable.

Many corporations over the world are already working on significant contributions to make maritime transport sustainable and minimize environmental impact.

Green energy… 

Renewable energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions. Nowadays, wind turbines and solar panels are already being implemented to generate energy. 

Some even use energy storage technology to ensure a constant supply of energy. Technology also allows real-time monitoring of ship emissions, which is why with the management of a monitoring system, important decisions can be made to improve the efficiency of maritime transport. 

Sustainable and efficient design…

Aerodynamic design allows for energy optimization, which is why corporations are working on sustainable designs for ships to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

At the same time, some ships are equipped with hybrid propulsion systems that combine diesel and electric motors to achieve greater energy efficiency.

With this comes the planning of routes and navigation speed if this is achieved travel time is reduced, and fuel is optimized.

If one thing is clear, the fight for a green world is growing, and little by little, technology becomes a sustainable tool to improve CO2 impact on the environment.

 

Find out more news about the maritime and aeronautical world on our blog.

Aeronautical technology investments in 2023

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Digitalization is imminent and wrapped in the artificial intelligence boom, the road to 100% automation is getting closer and closer.

And it is that, during 2021 and 2022, the growth and the boom in the mobilization of all economic sectors, produced the acceleration of a factor that seemed to be seen in the distance, but that undoubtedly, has come to stay.

In this way, we see that artificial intelligence covers each of the main economic environments, where the aeronautical and maritime sectors are not left out.

After two years of imminent growth, the aeronautical industry did not foresee the challenges it could face, and it is now where it is on the move to invest in new resources during recovery.

Automated processes…

“Digitalization is seen as the key to meeting these challenges, as it offers greater scalability and flexibility,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA.

In this sense, the same report collected by SITA, states that airlines and airports worldwide will put in place the investment of IT resources, seeking to improve each of the processes in airport development.

As a result, airlines and airports are looking to reduce waiting times and improve the travel experience for passengers at every stage of their journey. This technology investment will also serve to create a key staffing mechanism, so that staff can be placed in higher attention assignments.

Today, we can see the speed with which airline and airport transit resources are increasingly relying on technological means to support their development.

Strengthening the technological foundations will therefore be the main focus for this year, which is undoubtedly the key to completing the digital transformation.

Robotics in the airport sector

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We have already talked about how technology has become involved in everyday life. However, today we can see how robots are becoming more and more integrated into the routine, and this is how we can already see them in airports worldwide. 

To provide security, trust, and support, there are already some airports that have implemented the use of robots within the installations.

Airports in London, Japan, and the United States are just some of the terminals that already have robotic units to perform different tasks that help to streamline the development of the same. 

It is estimated that by 2028 the market for robots in airports will reach US$2,108 million, according to Research & Markets. This means that the growth of such technology will grow exponentially year after year. 

New smart strategies…

After turbulent years due to Covid-19, the airline industry was forced to look for alternatives to weather the ravages of flight groundings, massive layoffs, and financial decline. But, amid the formula for a new take-off, they found the benefits of digital transformation. 

These brought unbeatable benefits to lift the sector back on its feet. Among them were electronic vaccination ballots, the use of software for airport administrative management, facial recognition and artificial intelligence for passenger control, and more. 

That is why now, robots are joining this formula to enhance the needs of air terminals. 

Robots, a good decision? 

Some of the functions that robots fulfill in airports can be found: 

  • Strengthen security in terminals, with the ability to prevent dangerous events. 
  • Thanks to artificial intelligence they can detect prohibited or dangerous artifacts such as explosives. 
  • Manage passenger transit, boarding pass scanning, and more. 
  • Keep cleaning tasks unimpeded. 

These are just some of the tasks that are currently being taken advantage of, but, this will not stop here as the world of robotics will begin to grow exponentially and will be increasingly implemented around the world. 

Read more about the aeronautics sector in our blog.

Technological advances in air terminals

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2022 is almost over, a year that was undoubtedly a great source of technological advances and a year of palpable recovery for the aeronautical sector. 

But, it was an eye-opener of the benefits that new technologies have brought to one of the main economic sectors worldwide. 

From artificial intelligence to biometric technology, these are just some of the new technology uses implemented in airports around the world, having as a first need, to improve the passenger’s experience. To make their stay in air terminals as comfortable and pleasant as possible. 

That’s why with a view to full automation, we leave you a small tour of the technological innovations that serve firsthand to improve and configure new moments in airports around the world. 

Seoul Airport…

Incheon Airport in Seoul launched the big data platform Airport Data Sandbox, which facilitates the collection of data to analyze information such as congestion in the terminal, weather, traffic, or transport forecasts. 

It also provides information on passenger flow and allows for easy allocation of personnel management to improve airport operations. Each of the aforementioned data is handled in real-time. 

Barcelona Airport… 

And speaking of biometric technology, the Vueling Barcelona-Malaga route has a biometric program that covers the passenger’s entire transit from home to the boarding terminal. 

This is AENA’s third biometric project at Barcelona airport, where through the Spanish airport holding company’s app, passengers can register for baggage check-in, optimizing waiting times and security controls. 

All of the above while complying with the security of each passenger’s data. 

Qatar Airport… 

Hamad International Airport in Qatar is one of the airports considered a worldwide efficient airport, in terms of decision-making and technological improvements for the administration of the air terminal. 

It uses the necessary technological tools not only for administration but also to ensure an optimal stay for users. That is why they are about to implement digital twin programs, to plan and visualize different scenarios based on the collection and study of data. 

These are just some of the new scenarios that are being presented in air terminals around the world, but we are undoubtedly eager to see what 2023 will bring.

 

Keep reading more aviation news in our blog.

Resilient ports

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Nowadays, airport planning must be viewed as an ecosystem in permanent transformation, which does not work in isolation but is an integral part of its immediate environment. As well as other sectors that directly influence its daily development such as tourism, foreign trade, defense, territorial integration, and social connectivity, but above all, its planning must be aligned with the objectives and policies of the State.

 

Evaluating the above, the planning of the air system should be focused not only on aircraft, infrastructure, and services but also on sustainability (social, environmental, and economic) and should not lose its articulation with the urban planning where they are located.

 

The current situation must be taken into account in airport planning, while analyzing the past and how things were done to foresee the future and improve processes, building different scenarios, considering all possible variables, and dimensioning their influence.

 

The truth is that we are in constant evolution, and situations change overnight, but today, keeping airport development at the forefront of technology is vital to lay the foundations. This allows a sector in constant development to grow and meet the demand of travelers for more efficient services and transform their travel experience.

 

Airport development management has a responsibility to take advantage of the buildings, facilities, and infrastructure available to them and evaluate their full capacity to adapt and create resilient infrastructures that promote the sustainability of the industry, but above all foster innovation.

 

Using technological platforms makes it possible to optimize resources without the need for large investments in infrastructure. Additionally, they facilitate the daily work of airport employees, while benefiting travelers who obtain high-quality services with state-of-the-art technology that offers them: greater data security, more efficient waiting times, and, obviously, greater convenience when using systems such as self-check-in. Also, biometric systems for passenger control or zero-contact technologies have become so popular in recent times.

 

Undoubtedly, the airport sector has had a rapid capacity to adapt and has weathered one of the worst crises in history, but if anything is clear, it is that airport planning must be very resilient and mutate step by step, to adapt to the needs.  Above all, they must be open to learning, take advantage of every innovative technology that facilitates data collection and analysis, and be very dynamic in decision-making, which will allow them to cushion the impact of any situation that may arise.

 

Ports digitization: Application of digital twins in the maritime industry

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The maritime industry has always been a sector considered traditional, however, new digital technologies open an opportunity for the modernization of the port sector that increasingly faces greater challenges in terms of resource management, infrastructure, management of meteorological events, and even changes in consumer habits.

 

To provide greater reliability in the services offered and to deal with any disagreement that could threaten to paralyze the sector, many ports worldwide have chosen to join the era of digitalization, investing a large part of their budgets in technological tools that allow them not only to streamline their processes. But rather to create smart ports that provide more and better services at each step of their logistics chain.

 

The creation of digital twins in the port context allows, among many other things, to generate impact study models in any area of the logistics chain or the community and thus predict the best alternatives for the development of a specific niche or new services. All this digitally tested in different scenarios and without real risks, which facilitates decision making, cost reduction and especially implementation times.

 

Nowadays, digital twins are one of the most used technologies in almost all sectors, due to their analysis potential to improve the behavior of systems, processes, services, and simulations of any type of assets of any company. 

 

The crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic helped accelerate the implementation of this type of information technologies since they ensure the permanence of companies in the market, but above all, because many sectors evidenced the importance of data analysis, remote monitoring of activities, and prediction of future scenarios.

 

Most of the implementations of digital twins are based on Big Data and are combined with artificial intelligence methods since it enables the dynamic and updated representation in real time of a real and/or physical system, but being itself a controlled and safe environment for experimentation, which allows to detect failures, plan maintenance tasks, avoid delays or unexpected stops and best of all is that you can build and test new scenarios, more efficient and agile; without risking new investments.

 

The implementation of a digital twin in the port sector, not only allows a significant improvement in the decision-making of shipping companies, port operators, and other ecosystem players but also facilitates the creation of regulations that encourage the integration of transport supply chain operations and collaborative work.

 

Having a digital twin model in the maritime sector influences 3 main areas such as fleet, port, and terminal optimization. Ecosystem stakeholder analysis and end-to-end supply chain optimization.

 

Digital transformation brings with it a disruption of business strategies, plans for a cultural change, how things are done, and how the new processes will be to compete in a new digital environment, which leads us to understand that we are facing the technological revolution of the maritime industry.

 

Reduced traffic at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

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In previous articles, we talked about the challenges facing airports worldwide that affect them both positively and negatively. However, this has led to immense solutions that have served as a bridge to improve flight quality, airport traffic, and the development of new opportunities. 

Many airports have gone through a crisis of staff shortages at airports ,and so far, airports like London Airport have managed to mitigate the processes. Others like Amsterdam Airport have taken medium-term measures to ease the long queues and a large number of passengers transiting through the airport. 

That’s right, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam announced a reduction in the number of passengers that will be able to transit through the airport. This is due to the lack of security personnel at the airport in the Netherlands in previous months. 

This measure will be in place until the end of March 2023. Thanks to this, the maximum number of passengers will also depend on previous agreements with the airlines, which will require more elaborate planning to minimize the consequences. 

In this sense, the aim is to minimize waiting times, and long queues and also to ensure the safety of the thousands of passengers who transit daily. Also to avoid collapse and various cancellations due to lack of personnel. 

Automatic passenger transit

Likewise, many technology companies are currently working on the creation of technologies that work under artificial intelligence to improve airport transit mechanisms, administrative processes, security, loading, unloading, and much more. 

Such is the case of GP Nauticals, who have developed a software system, especially for the aeronautical and maritime sectors. With a SUITE of products that are integrated to cover different types of needs, with the ability to analyze data in real-time that allow improvements in the development of the airport. 

Also, thanks to PAX AIMS, the airport will be able to audit passenger traffic, thanks to different checkpoints that allow scanning of boarding passes where the passenger and boarding list can be validated with the concessionaires to proceed to check-in. 

 This is just a small sample of the services that GP Nauticals has to offer. If you want to know more about each of our products do not hesitate to visit our products section.