GMR Airports prepares for next phase of growth with the launch of new AI-enabled operations centre at Hyderabad

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

GMR Airports is preparing for the next phase of airport expansion in India with the launch of its new Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad on December 11.

The APOC, which will function as the new airport operations control centre, will leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to streamline operations and pre-empt potential disruptions. It is the first airport in India with such a system.

"The APOC will provide a single source of information for all stakeholders involved in airport operations including airlines, ground handling, security and passengers," SGK Kishore, executive director (South) and chief innovation officer, GMR Airports, said on December 11.

The former chief executive officer of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited  (GHIAL), the operating company, added that the APOC will play a major role in expanding operations at the airport and a similar facility will be launched at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi in a few months. GMR Airports operates the national capital's airport as well.

Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that the APOC system will improve daily airport operations and will be replicated at other airports in India.

"Increasing air traffic necessitates advancements in airport management. This new facility will be a milestone for future airport operations. It will enhance efficiency and improve operations," Naidu said. He added that the real-time airport monitoring system provides cost savings and improved safety for air travel.

"We have to focus on making air travel more accessible, affordable and convenient. And this new facility aligns with the vision for improved ease of travel. The goal is to create a seamless and people-friendly air travel experience," Naidu said.

At RGIA, the APOC is divided into six operational hubs, or 'islands', each focusing on a specific aspect of airport management.

The APOC's 'sustainability' island facilitates effective communication between aircraft and the airport to ensure quicker turnaround times. It optimises baggage and cargo handling and coordinates with immigration and customs to streamline processes.

The 'airside island' monitors aircraft movements on the tarmac, ensuring operational efficiency and addressing emergencies that may arise. It also keeps an eye on bird activity, and object and debris movements to maintain safety standards.

The 'terminal island' is passenger-focused, addressing challenges like late arrivals. By optimising security checks, immigration and boarding procedures, it ensures passengers reach their flights on time. It also provides real-time updates to travellers.

The 'land side island' manages ground transport, including parking availability and cab demand. This island ensures smooth transitions for passengers from terminal exits to their onward journeys.

The 'technical island', also called the ‘digital twin’, oversees critical infrastructure like air conditioning, lighting, energy systems, and the maintenance of lifts and escalators.

The 'social media island' handles real-time engagement with passengers through RGIA’s social media channels, resolving queries and providing updates on flight traffic and other operational aspects.

Kishore said RGIA currently handles around 44 hourly aircraft departures, which will be increased to 50 with the use of the APOC system as the need arises. He added that RGIA airport has one of the best airside runway infrastructures in the world and is capable of handling up to 55 hourly departures.

RGIA will end 2024-25 having handled around 30 million passengers with the number expected to increase to 45 million annually in the next three to five years, Kishore said, adding that the airport will look to create a second runway once passenger traffic reaches close to that figure.

GMR Airports has partnered with WAISL Limited to develop the APOC facility to bring all airport stakeholders on one platform for integrated solutions to improve passenger experience and airport efficiency.

As part of the system, CCTV cameras, flight information display systems, WiFi routers and baggage handling will provide real-time information to the integrated centre. The APOC will also help the airport anticipate problems instead of only reacting by collecting data from 30 to 40 touch points at the airport like the Digi Yatra app and IOT sensors.