Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is trialling new Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered systems in a bid to shorten queues and deliver a seamless passenger experience
AUH’s new ‘Smart Travel’ system has been developed in partnership with ConvergentAI and improves passenger journeys through the airport, as well as facilitating social distancing.
The system employs big data, AI, and rigorous modelling and assessment of passenger traffic to optimise a variety of processes across Abu Dhabi International Airport from check-in and immigration counter staffing to passenger arrival and departure times.
AI will enable staggered passenger arrivals
As a part of the ongoing trial, select passengers travelling with Etihad Airways will be informed of the optimal time for them to arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport. By staggering passenger arrivals, the new system will mitigate crowding, facilitate social distancing and shorten queues. As the AI-powered system continues to operate, it will become smarter in time and further streamline passenger journeys through the airport.
Shareef Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Innovation and digitalisation are key to the achievement of our vision of becoming the world’s leading airports group and I am proud of the exceptional work our teams have performed over the past year as we transform our operations and strive to deliver a truly superior and seamless passenger experience. The enhancement of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Smart Travel system is a significant step in our journey of continuous improvement and innovation as we shape the future airport experience.”
Modelled passenger journeys will minimise queues
John Barton, Chief Information Officer, said: “Minimising queuing at airports is key to safeguarding passenger health and wellbeing and streamlining operations, which is why we are working with our airline partners and ConvergentAI to precisely model our passengers’ journeys and improve them at every step.”
“By enabling passengers to quickly and seamlessly transition through check-in, immigration and boarding, we are providing them with more time to enjoy everything Abu Dhabi International Airport has to offer, from first-rate dining to superior duty-free offerings,” added Barton.
The introduction of AI technology at Abu Dhabi International Airport is also benefiting airlines, retailers, and employees working at the airport in a variety of ways. Through using AI to monitor real-time imagery of aircraft, special programmes are being developed to guide on-ground teams to complete certain actions, including unloading baggage or the refuelling of an aircraft at optimal times.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is also exploring the integration of AI into its safety and security systems, enabling the automated monitoring of camera feeds of the airport apron. AI equipped systems can be taught to detect irregular activity or objects and notify the relevant teams to address potential issues swiftly and efficiently.
