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

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.

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Source: Enaire.es

Navigating the Challenges of Seaport Technology Adoption

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.

“New technologies that are transforming the management of container and cargo ports”

Containers and cargo ports are key infrastructures for international trade. The rapid growth of global commerce has led to an increase in the volume of goods moving through these infrastructures, generating the need to improve efficiency and control in their management. But what is currently being done to achieve this? Here is a summary of the most important technologies in port management:

Terminal Operating Systems (TOS). 

These systems allow container port operators to control and supervise port operations, from the arrival and departure of ships to the loading and unloading of containers on land. TOS is a comprehensive solution that provides a complete view of the port and enables operators to make more informed and efficient decisions.

Among the benefits of using TOS are reduced waiting times, improved efficiency in planning container loading and unloading, and increased port capacity. A successful example of TOS implementation is the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe. The implementation of TOS in Rotterdam has reduced waiting times for ships and increased port capacity to handle more containers.

Another technology that is increasingly being used in the shipping industry is the Internet of Things (IoT). 

IoT allows port operators and customers to track and monitor the location of goods in real time. This helps improve transparency and visibility in the supply chain, which in turn helps prevent theft and loss of cargo or containers.

In addition, IoT is also used for predictive maintenance. IoT sensors can monitor equipment conditions and detect problems before they become serious faults. This allows port operators to schedule preventive maintenance instead of having to perform expensive repairs on damaged equipment. A successful example of IoT implementation is the Port of Hamburg, where IoT is used to monitor the temperature of perishable goods containers.

Image recognition technology and data analysis This is another technology being used in the shipping industry to improve efficiency in loading and unloading containers. This includes the use of surveillance cameras and image analysis software to monitor container movement and detect problems in real time. For example, the Port of Singapore uses surveillance cameras to monitor container movement and prevent collisions.

Robotics 

The implementation of robotics has also been part of the digital transformation of ports, as robots can assist in loading and unloading containers, reducing the need for labor and increasing efficiency in the loading and unloading process. For example, the Port of Qingdao in China uses robots for container loading and unloading in an automated terminal, which has significantly improved productivity and efficiency.

In conclusion, the adoption of new technologies such as TOS, IoT, image recognition and data analysis, and robotics are allowing container and cargo ports to improve efficiency and control in their management. These technologies enable better supervision of operations, process optimization, reduced waiting times, and prevention of cargo losses, while optimizing resources and increasing net income.

 

Sustainable technology in the maritime sector

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

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.

Good news for 2023

During a new moment, where many are studying the strengths and threats of 2023, air terminals are trying to weigh the new challenges, hoping for a new era and great opportunities for the aviation sector. 

As we have discussed in previous articles, there are many projects in the air, new technologies for transportation and air traffic control. There are also new experiences for passengers, such as in-flight connectivity, the opening of new routes, and the improvement of airport infrastructure worldwide. 

At this point, we can see how airports are already preparing for funding and new work to expand and improve the structures of airport spaces at a time when challenges are at the door. 

New projects are on the way…

In the last few days we have talked about El Dorado Airport as the most punctual airport in Latin America, and today we can see that a new project has been approved for the construction of a new terminal at the airport of Cartagena, a tourist destination in the Latin country that receives countless world-class tourists year after year. 

This project will allow the expansion and modernization of the structure of the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena. Thanks to these works, the airport will be able to increase its air capacity and be prepared to receive approximately 7.5 million passengers per year. 

The authorities in charge of the project have also stated that these modernization and construction works will be completed in two and a half years. 

In this sense, tourism in Colombia is getting stronger and getting recognized on an international level.

We talk about sustainability…

From airplanes with recycled materials and paper savings to the digital world, the aviation sector is looking for new horizons in terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness.

For several years now, there has been talking about introducing an environmentally friendly fuel to minimize the damage caused by CO2 in the air. Today, new mechanisms are already being presented to achieve zero emissions by 2035. 

Not only is there talk of green fuel, but also hydrogen and ethanol to produce a friendly and safe fuel for aviation. We see that there are still some years to go, but behind all this, big companies are working to achieve the expected results.

 

This and other news about the maritime and aeronautical sectors are in our blog

 

Airport recovery in Latin America

We are starting a new year, after stumbles, pandemics, and a new adaptation, airports presented their balance sheets for 2022. For the most part, the recovery was evident, which translates into new challenges and improvements. 

In the case of Latin America, El Dorado Airport, which serves Bogota, was the most punctual airport in Latin America in 2022. 

This result was announced by Cirium, a specialist in the analysis of the aeronautical sector, which presented the annual balance of the punctuality performance of airports worldwide. 

In the case of El Dorado International Airport, it was the most punctual with 80.72%, which places it in the top 10 and as the most punctual in Latin America. 

Recovery at Tocumen Airport 

In the case of Central America, specifically at Tocumen International Airport, the annual report of airport activities was presented. 

In this report, the recovery of the airport in the year 2022 stands out, which recovered the airport traffic concerning 2021, new flight routes were opened, and also, the recovery of the structure and operation of the new Terminal 2. 

In general, it can be said that although the year just ended was a year of challenges, the return of airlines and the lifting of restrictions was positive for the recovery of the sector. 

In terms of numbers, Tocumen Airport closed 2022 with more than 15 million passengers, a little more than 6 million more than in 2021. 

This is only a small part of what happened in Latin America, but the recovery of air traffic worldwide was very satisfying for the recovery of the aviation sector after years of uncertainty and new challenges. 

But 2023 is just beginning, what will it hold for the aviation sector? 

 

Read more news about the aviation and maritime sectors in our blog

Green Aviation 

The aviation industry plays an important role worldwide, in principle, it is cataloged as the safest means of transportation in the world and it is also responsible for connecting infinite routes worldwide, making a long distance become a short trip. 

Since its beginnings, the aeronautical world has given a lot to talk about, but today it joins the same trend that all economic and social sectors worldwide are talking about, we are talking about “sustainability”. 

For some years now, leaders around the world have been working to minimize the polluting effects on the environment, and the aeronautical sector together with fuel developers are already working on a green mechanism to minimize the climate threat. 

By 2050, CO2 emissions are expected to have decreased by 50%. 

Change comes from within…

When we talk about sustainability, we are not only talking about new fuel formulations but also about the use of materials for the construction of environmentally friendly propellants or aircraft. 

The use of efficient materials throughout the design and assembly process of an aircraft is also a factor to take into account when considering the use of more environmentally friendly products and processes. 

Such is the case of the European continent, which has launched the Clean Sky or Clean Aviation project, which works on improving the sector with a positive impact on the ecosystem. 

Technology as a green ally… 

While technology is still new to many sectors, it is also part of the positive change for the environment. 

Biometric technology, big data, and the leap to digital have resulted not only in benefits for the passenger or the industry itself but also for the environment. 

The leap to digital has decreased the use of paper in air terminals, which means a positive impact on the regeneration of a greener world.

These are just some of the changes we see so far in the aviation sector, what will be waiting for us in 2023? We are ready for surprises. 

 

Robotics in the airport sector

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

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.