Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator, has announced a strategic partnership with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, aimed at transforming airport operations and enhancing the passenger experience across the country. The collaboration focuses on deploying a fully integrated airport solution built on three key pillars: smart airport security, biometric passenger journeys, and operational efficiency.
Since early 2024, Thales has implemented its Fly to Gate solution at seven airports managed by AAHL, streamlining the travel experience for millions of passengers. The Fly to Gate system incorporates advanced facial recognition technology, allowing pre-enrolled passengers to navigate through checkpoints without the need to present ID documents or boarding passes at each stage of their journey. This innovation has reportedly reduced passenger processing time by up to 30%, aligning with the Indian government’s vision for a digital future.
The partnership is set to extend further, with AAHL awarding Thales an additional contract to deploy the Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) across all its airports. This state-of-the-art cloud-based platform is designed to centralise all necessary applications for enhanced airport management and passenger services. The APOC will collect operational data from various integrated subsystems and sensors, utilising automation, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to improve efficiency and predictability in airport operations.
The rollout of the APOC solution is anticipated to address unplanned resource shortages and optimise overall management and security at AAHL airports. Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director for India at Thales, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited to bring innovative technology solutions to revolutionise airport operations and the passenger experience in India.”
Thales’ initiatives are seen as vital steps towards enhancing air travel in India, enabling AAHL to efficiently manage complex airport operations while ensuring a secure and seamless journey for passengers. This collaboration supports India’s ambition to become the largest aviation market globally by 2047, leveraging technology to improve service quality and operational effectiveness.
As the partnership progresses, it is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of air travel in India. The innovative solutions provided by Thales not only enhance operational capabilities but also align with international standards of privacy and security, ensuring passenger trust in the use of biometric technologies.
With the integration of Thales’ advanced systems, AAHL aims to set new benchmarks for airport management in India, fostering a travel environment that prioritises safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. The deployment of these cutting-edge solutions marks a significant advancement in the country’s aviation landscape, paving the way for a new era of air travel experiences.