inter airport Southeast Asia is currently underway at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, running from 25–27 March. As one of the region’s premier events for the aviation industry, it serves as a crucial platform for discussing the latest innovations and challenges shaping the future of air travel.
In the lead-up to the in-person event, inter airport Southeast Asia hosted a webinar titled “The Future of Smart Airports in Southeast Asia.” This discussion brought together key industry leaders to explore how airports can leverage technology to enhance efficiency, improve passenger experience, and integrate sustainable practices. The webinar covered several core themes:
- The role of AI, biometrics, and automation in streamlining airport operations
- Strategies to overcome infrastructure bottlenecks and enhance airport efficiency
- The integration of eco-friendly practices in smart airport design
- Balancing technological advancement with cost-efficiency for long-term growth
Smart Airports
The webinar, moderated by Steven Dickson, Managing Partner of Skylight Aviation, focused on how airports are leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, biometrics, and automation to address both current and future challenges. Panelists Aldwin Uy, Deputy Chief Operations Officer of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Ibrahim Mohamed Salleh, Chief Operating Officer of Aerodarat Services Sdn Bhd, reinforced this vision, emphasising that a smart airport should alleviate passenger frustrations and offer a seamless travel experience.
To achieve this, Aldwin Uy stressed the importance of value-driven innovation, where technological advancements directly address passenger needs. He also highlighted the necessity of humanizing these innovations, ensuring that new solutions remain intuitive, accessible, and effective for human users.
Ibrahim Mohamed Salleh echoed these sentiments, emphasising that human interaction remains essential in maintaining passenger comfort. While automation can optimise operations and reduce bottlenecks, it should complement rather than replace human engagement.
Key technologies and innovations that can be integrated in this way include:
- Real-time decision-making throughout the terminal and on the airfield to improve response times
- Resource management tools that optimize operations and address issues such as long queues
- Passenger-centric services, including hotel-based luggage check-in to enhance convenience
- Digital documents and biometric IDs that reduce processing times and improve security
- Baggage tracking and automated handling to ensure a smooth experience from check-in to arrival
Smart Investments
By ensuring that implemented technologies actively address passenger pain points, airports such as Mactan-Cebu International Airport aim to ensure they are investing smartly rather than simply purchasing new and flashy innovations. The emphasis remains on practicality, efficiency, and tangible benefits for travelers.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Mohamed Salleh stressed the importance of considering long-term implications when making technology investments. He cautioned against adopting solutions that may become obsolete within just a few years, advocating instead for scalable, future-proof systems that evolve alongside industry needs.
As inter airport Southeast Asia continues to showcase groundbreaking advancements, the discussions from the webinar offer valuable insights into how the aviation industry can build smarter, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airports. By striking the right balance between automation, sustainability, and human engagement, the future of smart airports in Southeast Asia is poised to redefine air travel, ensuring it remains a seamless and attractive option for passengers worldwide.
