Ljubljana Airport Deploys Assaia Turnaround Solution to Increase Efficiency
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) has recently implemented Assaia’s innovative turnaround technology to enhance the efficiency of its operations. This move is not only beneficial for LJU but also serves as a significant milestone for other airports within the Fraport portfolio. By leveraging advanced technologies such as computer vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI), LJU aims to reduce ground delays, streamline procedures, and ultimately improve the overall passenger experience.
Significant Reduction in Ground Delays
One of the primary objectives of deploying Assaia’s Turnaround Control at LJU was to minimize ground delays effectively. Early data from January to February this year has already shown promising results. Flights where Assaia’s alerts were acknowledged experienced an average reduction in ground delays by nearly six minutes compared to those where alerts were not acknowledged. This significant improvement underscores the effectiveness of real-time monitoring and intervention in optimizing turnaround times.
Claus Grunow, VP of Corporate Strategy and Digitalization at Fraport, said, “We are optimizing all our processes on the apron to shorten the time each aircraft needs to be on the ground, which benefits both our passengers and our airline partners. This is a common issue across our airports and we are talking to all of them about this technology.”
Real-Time Optimization at Critical Gates
Turnaround Control has been deployed at all critical gates within LJU, empowering the airport’s operational team to make informed decisions in real-time. This dynamic approach enables the allocation of appropriate staffing levels based on actual events rather than predefined schedules. By adapting to real-world scenarios as they unfold, LJU can better manage resources and respond proactively to challenges, thereby improving overall turnaround efficiency.
Streamlining Standard Operating Procedures
In addition to real-time optimization, Assaia’s technology also plays a crucial role in streamlining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at LJU. By continuously tracking and analyzing all activities over time, the system generates valuable data that can be used to refine and improve existing procedures. This data-driven approach ensures that LJU can establish more predictable and faster turnarounds, leading to smoother operations and enhanced passenger satisfaction.
Integrated Data and Reporting for Continuous Improvement
Assaia’s solution seamlessly integrates with various systems used by airlines, ground handlers, and the airport itself. This integration enables the sharing of real-time information through a comprehensive dashboard, complete with tailored alerts and reports. These insights not only facilitate immediate actions to address ongoing issues but also highlight areas that require long-term improvement. By leveraging data analytics and AI-driven insights, LJU can continuously refine its operations and strive for excellence in service delivery.
Dr Babett Stapel, Managing Director of Fraport Slovenjia, said, “Our focus is to use innovation to make our operations smoother. We have selected Assaia because of the capabilities of the tool. But it is also really important for us that it has a good record of successful implementation, so we know it will deliver for us, for our airlines and ultimately for our passengers.”
Fraport’s Interest in Assaia’s Turnaround Solution
The successful deployment of Assaia’s turnaround technology at LJU has caught the attention of Fraport, a leading airport operator that is now considering the solution for broader implementation across its global airport network. Given the tangible benefits observed at LJU, such as reduced ground delays and improved operational efficiency, it is no surprise that other airports within the Fraport portfolio are interested in adopting this innovative technology. As airports worldwide continue to face growing demands and operational challenges, embracing advanced solutions like Assaia’s Turnaround Control could be a game-changer in enhancing overall performance and passenger satisfaction.
Christiaan Hen, CEO of Assaia, said, “We help airlines, airports and ground handlers improve their turnaround performance by ensuring all the protocols are followed correctly and that those protocols are highly efficient. While our key focus is on-time performance, safety and sustainability are also both important. For example, alerts can show when a safety protocol is being breached. And we can track when auxiliary power units are turned off: keeping them on longer than planned can have a significant impact on carbon emissions.”
