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Lufthansa, Munich Airport Partner To Drive Innovation In AviationLufthansa Innovation Hub (LIH) and Munich Airport Terminal 2 have formalised a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering innovation within the aviation sector.
This collaboration comes as the industry faces various challenges, including operational efficiency, passenger experience, sustainability, and stability.
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The MoU signifies a commitment from both organisations to explore joint initiatives that leverage innovation to address these challenges.
It will involve the ideation and development of pilot projects in collaboration with innovative startups, such as LIH ventures, which will be tested at Munich Airport Terminal 2.
Additionally, the partnership aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices, methods, and tools between the two entities.
Terminal 2 Company managing director Matthias Langbehn said: “At Terminal 2, Europe’s first five-star terminal, we have always focused on delivering best-in-class service to our passengers.”
An initiative stemming from this collaboration is the deployment of autonomous robots developed by the startup Ottonomy.
Beginning this week, these robots will operate in the gates and baggage claim areas of Munich Airport Terminal 2. Their functions include assisting passengers with information and promoting Lufthansa Airlines’ services.
Passengers can interact with the robots by scanning a QR code, which directs them to Lufthansa’s chat assistant for self-service options, including flight information and rebooking processes.
The robots will also provide information such as tax refunds and lost and found services.
In addition to passenger assistance, the robots are equipped with integrated containers for transporting goods, with plans to distribute bottled water to passengers in the future.
This pilot project is part of Startup Gate, Lufthansa Group’s venture clienting initiative, which connects the airline with startups to facilitate the swift adoption of new technologies.
Lufthansa Innovation Hub corporate venturing and strategic growth head and senior director Dr Stefan Nothelfer said: “We are excited to partner with Munich Airport Terminal 2 to collectively enhance the customer experience and optimise operations across the entire travel journey.”
In February this year, Lufthansa announced plans to manage some Lufthansa Group Airlines flights at Munich Airport using its own ground services later this year, potentially by acquiring 100% of Swissport Losch.airport
Apr 16, 2025
Airport Technology
Matarat, Sita Sign Mou To Accelerate Digital Upgrades At Saudi AirportsMatarat Holding and SITA have formalised a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the digital transformation of airports in Saudi Arabia.
This collaboration is set to implement advanced technologies that will improve passenger experiences, optimise operations, and boost airport efficiency, aligning with the country’s aviation modernisation initiatives.
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The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to emerge as a global aviation hub, with a capacity to accommodate 330 million passengers annually and connect to more than 250 destinations worldwide.
SITA Middle East and Africa president Selim Bouri said: “We are proud to work alongside MATARAT Holding to bring in the right digital tools that keep operations smooth and passengers moving effortlessly.”
SITA has previously established biometric self-service systems at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and facilitated the Saudi’s inaugural fully biometric journey at NEOM Bay Airport using its Smart Path solution.
The company’s systems are also operational at major airports in Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh, in addition to 22 regional airports in Cluster 2.
The biometric journey provides a secure experience by using technologies that capture and verify individuals through unique biological identifiers, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, facilitating efficient access at digital and physical checkpoints.
Matarat is responsible for the management of 27 airports through its subsidiaries, including Riyadh Airport, Jeddah Airport, Dammam Airports, and Cluster 2.
The organisation’s objective is to enhance the performance of the country’s airports in accordance with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which is integral to the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030.
Matarat digital and technology senior vice president Yaagoub AlNujaidi said: “This Memorandum of Understanding with SITA underscores our unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and elevate the travel experience across all our airports.”
Recently, SITA partnered with NEC, a biometric authentication provider, to enhance global digital identity solutions in the travel industry.
NEC will integrate its technology into SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem, enabling real-time digital identity verification across multiple systems.airport
Apr 11, 2025
Airport Technology
Vietjet Air, Av Airfinance Sign $300M Fleet Expansion DealVietnamese airline Vietjet Air has entered into a financial agreement worth $300m with AV AirFinance to expand its fleet.
The agreement is part of efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations between the US and Vietnam.
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It is part of several aircraft financing transactions, under which Vietjet has secured more than $4bn from US financial institutions.
These funds will support the airline’s plan to introduce nearly 300 new aircraft from 2025 to 2027.
The first deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, from an order of 200 valued at more than $24bn, are expected to commence in 2025.
This order was initially announced in February 2019, during a visit by US President Donald Trump to Vietnam.
AV AirFinance CEO Stephen Murphy said: “We are delighted to be a long-term strategic partner of Vietjet. This new commitment reflects our strong relationship and willingness to support Vietjet’s resurgent growth in the Asia-Pacific region via new generation aircraft.”
Vietjet is also in discussions to expand this order further as part of its global growth strategy.
In addition to its collaboration with Boeing, Vietjet has formed partnerships with US companies, including GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell, with contracts totalling $50bn. Ongoing negotiations may add another $14bn to this figure.
The airline’s agreements with GE and Pratt & Whitney for engine and technical services alone exceed $10bn.
Vietjet is also enhancing its technology partnerships with firms such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google and exploring collaboration with SpaceX to incorporate advanced technologies into its fleet.
Currently, Vietjet operates a fleet of more than 115 fuel-efficient aircraft, with more than 400 additional aircraft on order.
Vietjet chairwoman Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said: “I am steadfast in my commitment to working tirelessly and fostering global partnerships that help bridge cultures, economies, and technologies between Vietnam, the US, and the wider world.”
In February this year, Vietjet partnered with OpenAirlines to enhance its flight operations using AI-based technology.
As the first airline in Vietnam to adopt SkyBreathe, Vietjet will utilise this AI-driven platform to analyse flight data and optimise fuel consumption by integrating information from various sources, including aircraft data and fuel reports.
In 2019, Vietjet confirmed an order for 15 A321XLR aircraft from Airbus.airport
Apr 11, 2025
Airport Technology
Gatwick Partners With Veovo For “Integrated Airport Control”London’s second airport, Gatwick, has extended its partnership with Veovo to develop an Integrated Airport Control (IAC) System, with the new agreement signed at Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid.
The IAC will use “AI/Machine learning-driven prediction” to move Gatwick towards a Total Airport Management (TAM) administration.
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The Veovo technology will create a “Virtual Control Room” to track airport operations, and much like many similar tools recently implemented at airports around the world, recommend action via alerts to human staff.
“Developed together with Veovo technology partners Amorph, the IAC benefits from strong usability principles and a design focused on practical decision-making,” Veovo explained.
On the passenger side, flows through security and check-in will be monitored and fed into future analytics and real-time action to “improve… passenger experience”.
“Forecasting, alerts and event triggers based on the predicted impact of changes to weather, flight schedule, baggage handling, rail services and people show-up profiles” will be used to improve airside operations, the partners said.
“This collaboration reinforces London Gatwick’s commitment to innovation and sets a new benchmark for data-driven airport management in Europe,” said James Williamson, Veovo CEO.
“Our technology turns data into predictions and action, allowing Gatwick Airport to move beyond reactive operations to more joined-up, automated decision-making. It’s about creating an airport that sees ahead and takes proactive action to improve the overall performance of the airport,” he claimed.airport
Apr 10, 2025
Airport Technology
Southampton Airport Deploys Digital Assistant To Improve Passenger ServiceSouthampton Airport in the UK has deployed a new digital assistant powered by Hello Lamp Post, aimed at improving travel experience for passengers, ahead of the bustling summer season.
Now live throughout the airport, this AI-driven technology provides real-time information and navigation assistance for passengers.
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The initiative follows a successful trial conducted last year at Glasgow Airport, which focused on supporting passengers requiring special assistance.
The trial recorded a reduction in queries directed to customer service staff by 50%, supported over 12,300 additional passengers annually, and achieved an 86% satisfaction rate among users with the service, according to Southampton Airport.
Building on the positive results from the trial, Southampton Airport has worked closely with Hello Lamp Post to enhance the capabilities of the digital assistant, making it accessible to all travellers.
Hello Lamp Post co-founder and CEO Tiernan Mines said: “We’re pleased to see our AI-powered platform now live at Southampton Airport, following the positive impact at Glasgow Airport.
“By helping to reduce repetitive questions, our digital assistant allows staff to focus on more pressing matters and provide better support where needed.”
Passengers can access the assistant through location-specific QR codes on their devices. The digital assistant provides up-to-date flight information, navigation help, and personalised support tailored to individual requirements.
This initiative aims to streamline airport services and create an inclusive environment that caters to all accessibility requirements.
Southampton Airport managing director Gavin Williams said: “We are delighted that we have been able to launch this cutting-edge technology in our airport with real-time information available.
“This AI-powered assistant will further enhance the customer experience, ensuring smoother and more personalised journeys for all who pass through Southampton Airport.”
Recently, Blackstone announced the acquisition of a 22% stake in UK airport operator AGS Airports from AviAlliance for ÂŁ235m ($303.5m).
AGS operates three airports, comprising Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland, as well as Southampton in England.airport
Apr 07, 2025
Airport Technology
Beumer Group Expands Airport Diagnostic ServicesBeumer Group has announced an expansion of its Customer Diagnostic Centre (CDC), introducing new services to enhance airport operational efficiency and cybersecurity.
The expansion, which includes an around-the-clock CDC Monitoring Centre, will be unveiled at Passenger Terminal Expo 2025.
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This centre utilises advanced algorithms and AI to proactively detect and address operational issues.
The CDC’s services are categorised into three main areas: improve, prevent, and ensure.
The improve category features BG PREDICT and BG INSIGHT, which monitor operations and manage maintenance data.
Prevent services include BG ACCESS and BG SECURE, which focus on data analytics and cybersecurity.
The Ensure services, encompassing BG HOTLINE and BG SITEPRO, offer emergency support and on-site assistance.
The new centre enhances these capabilities by continuously monitoring critical assets and identifying trends that could affect efficiency.
The CDC now processes more than 500 terabytes of diagnostic data from 300 streaming sites, providing access to over 100 Beumer experts.
In the past year, customers have accessed diagnostic information more than 143,000 times.
Beumer has doubled the data collection points in its baggage handling systems, enabling more comprehensive data access.
Beumer Group CDC director Merete Hoe said: “The new services have been developed to meet ongoing requirements for better data security and diagnostic capabilities in airport operations.
“Analysing and interpreting data is a complex and resource-intensive task and requires a great deal of investment, which can detract from your core business.”
To address data security concerns, Beumer has introduced a vulnerability management service within its BG SECURE offerings.
This service continuously evaluates data security risks, ensuring vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly, in line with ISO 27001 standards.
Additional CDC service enhancements include a diagnostics dashboard for tracking performance improvements and a peak programme service providing extra support during high-stress periods, such as holidays or major events.
In September last year, Beumer unveiled its automated airport handling systems at ACI 2024 event, including SECTRO, a centralised screening solution designed to replace traditional linear security screening lines.
SECTRO integrates baggage automation technologies to streamline screening processes, improve security, and manage passenger and cabin baggage more efficiently.
In June 2020, Beumer’s tote-based Independent Carrier System (ICS) commenced operations at the San Francisco International Airport in the US.airport
Apr 04, 2025
Airport Technology
Blackstone To Acquire 22% Stake In Uk’S Ags Airports For $303MUS-based alternative asset manager Blackstone has agreed to acquire a 22% stake in UK airport operator AGS Airports from AviAlliance for £235m ($303.5m).
AviAlliance will retain a majority 78% stake in AGS following the transaction. This move ensures continuity in management and operational expertise within the company.
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In November 2024, AviAlliance announced the acquisition of AGS Airports from Ferrovial and Macquarie for ÂŁ1.53bn ($1.95bn).
AviAlliance is the fully-owned airport platform of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), which is one of Canada’s largest pension investors.
The partnership between Blackstone, AviAlliance, and PSP Investments will focus on expanding and developing AGS’s airport facilities, aiming to improve passenger travel experiences and support the growth of the UK’s travel sector.
AGS, which handles more than 11 million passengers annually, operates three airports, including Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland, and Southampton in England.
AviAlliance managing director Gerhard Schroeder said: “We look forward to developing a constructive and long-term partnership with Blackstone for the benefit of AGS, its management and employees, as well as all other stakeholders at the three airports.”
Blackstone Infrastructure’s investment in AGS aligns with its strategy to support key transportation infrastructure assets.
The firm has previously invested in projects such as Mundys, the largest toll road platform, and Signature Aviation, a major network of private aviation terminals.
Blackstone also manages European assets, including ASPI, the largest toll road operator in Europe, as well as the airports Roma Fiumicino and Ciampino.
Blackstone Infrastructure Strategies CEO Greg Blank said: “Transportation remains a key thematic focus area for Blackstone, given continued strong global growth in leisure travel.
“AGS has access to one of the most diversified airline mixes of any major UK airport, and the company’s recent capital improvements aimed at accommodating large aircraft pave the way for new routes and higher traffic growth.”airport
Apr 02, 2025
Airport Technology
Sita Acquires Ccm To Integrate Technology And Design In AirportsAviation technology company SITA has completed the acquisition of CCM, an expert in airport interiors based in Milan, Italy.
This move is expected to transform airport spaces by integrating advanced technology with intelligent design, paving the way for the airports of the future.
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CCM collaborates with top architects and designers to create efficient and stylish airport experiences.
With over three decades of experience under the Marinoni family’s management, CCM has contributed to the design and delivery of terminal spaces in more than 300 airports worldwide.
The acquisition brings together SITA’s expertise in passenger processing, baggage handling, and AI-driven airport operations with CCM’s design and customer advisory capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution for airport customers.
Monica Oberti, a member of the founding Marinoni family, has been appointed as the interim CEO of CCM.
Oberti said: “For too long, airports have had to choose between efficiency and passenger experience. Now, they don’t have to. By joining forces with SITA, we can finally bring together the best of both worlds – smart technology, intelligent design, and quality production.”
The SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report highlights that 63% of airports are prioritising investments in self-service, biometrics, mobile apps, and IT, with spending reaching $8.9bn.
SITA CEO David Lavorel said: “Building efficient, tech-enabled environments is crucial for the future of travel. Airports are not just transit points; they mark a moment in a journey, no matter the destination.
“By integrating our expertise, we bring to life the airports of the future – architecture that is built on tech solutions and driven by efficiency to improve the overall travel experience for passengers and the operations of airport staff.”
In February this year, SITA launched ATC Connect, a global messaging solution aimed at revolutionising air traffic control (ATC) communications.
This platform facilitates the secure sharing of flight information with air navigation service providers (ANSPs) globally.airport
Apr 01, 2025
Airport Technology
Amsl Aero And Archerfield Airport Aim For Evtol Olympics In 2032AMSL Aero, an Australian eVTOL developer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Archerfield Airport to “explore” the possibility of installing liquid hydrogen refuelling tech in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
AMSL’s Vertiia aircraft recently achieved a milestone as the “first” Australian hybrid eVTOL aircraft to complete a free flight, according to the company.
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The aircraft is capable of covering distances up to 1,000km at speeds of 300km/h without carbon emissions, the company reported.
Under the terms of the MoU, AMSL Aero and Archerfield Airport will work together on developing the necessary refuelling infrastructure and ensuring MRO facilities are in place.
Archerfield Airport operations executive general manager Rod Parry said: “Geographically, we’re very close to Brisbane’s CBD, major regional centres and three 2032 Olympic and Paralympic zones.
“We have some of Australia’s best general aviation infrastructure and the expertise and experience – since 1931 – to help turn aviation visions into reality.”
AMSL Aero’s Vertiia eVTOL has potential passenger and medical flight use cases for the Olympics, with commercial operations anticipated after certification and regulatory approvals hoped for in 2028/29.
AMSL Aero has already secured 26 orders for the Vertiia, including 20 from Aviation Logistics, which operates multiple aviation services in Australia.
As a tenant of Archerfield Airport, Aviation Logistics is expected to take advantage of the air mobility opportunities arising from the upcoming Brisbane Olympics.
AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn said: “This MOU lays the foundations for zero-emission aviation throughout Queensland and at the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032.
“It will lead to the creation of cutting-edge liquid hydrogen refuelling infrastructure that will enable operators flying Vertiias to refuel within 11 kilometres of central Brisbane,” Smallhorn projected.
Recently, Life Flight New Zealand partnered with AMSL Aero to enhance future aeromedical operations in Australasia using AMSL Aero’s Vertiia eVTOL aircraft.
In July 2024, Bankstown Airport in Sydney collaborated with AMSL Aero to introduce hydrogen fuel infrastructure at the airport for the Vertiia aircraft.airport
Mar 28, 2025
Airport Technology
United Airlines Invests $177M In Maintenance Facility At Houston’S George BushUnited Airlines has announced an investment of $177m in its Houston hub, to build a new ground service equipment (GSE) maintenance facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX.
The new GSE maintenance facility, set to open in 2027, will support United’s fleet of more than 1,800 ground service vehicles and provide the airline’s maintenance team with modernised workspaces and improved infrastructure.
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This facility is expected to be twice the size of the current facility.
It will feature increased repair, shop, and storage space and shared spaces, supporting the local community and workforce with job creation.
The airline also announced the opening of a $16m technical operations training centre (TTC), which will support United’s plan to integrate hundreds of new planes into its fleet by 2032.
United airport operations vice president Phil Griffith said: “At United, we believe that investing in our people and our facilities is the key to maintaining our leadership in the aviation industry.
“With these new facilities, Ground Service Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Technical Operations Training Center, we are enhancing our ability to maintain a world-class fleet while empowering our employees with cutting-edge tools and training.”
The 91,000ft² TTC facility includes training shops, simulators, and scenario-based engine maintenance training.
It features advanced training facilities, including sheet metal and composite training shops, desktop simulators for Boeing 737 and 787 troubleshooting, and specialised engine maintenance training.
Additionally, the new TTC includes a $6.3m Move Team Facility, specifically designed to centralise United’s Super Tug operations.
United’s continued investment in Houston follows the launch of the Terminal B renovation and expansion project, which will add 40 gates for larger aircraft and a spacious United ClubSM, the largest in the network, by 2026.
This project is part of United’s strategy to support its United Next plan, which includes introducing more than 500 new, narrow-body aircraft and creating thousands of unionised jobs by 2026.
In July 2024, United Airlines partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to equip a passenger jet with atmospheric testing equipment.airport
Mar 27, 2025