Indra, in partnership with Synaptic Aviation Inc., has deployed an advanced digital system based on artificial intelligence to monitor aircraft turnaround and apron operations prior to departure. The solution operates at three of Spain’s busiest airports: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat and Palma de Mallorca, which, under Aena’s management, jointly transport over 150 million passengers each year and boast around 477 aircraft parking positions. The implementation of this integrated technology marks significant progress in the large-scale modernization and digitalization of ground operations at these airports.
The solution analyzes real-time video streams from cameras installed near parking positions and boarding bridges, automatically recording significant events related to aircraft location and key apron activities, including GPU connection, placement of chocks, refueling, and provision of catering services. Information generated by Synaptic Aviation’s software facilitates ongoing monitoring and optimization of operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The solution has already proven its ability to improve the predictability of turnaround times and data accuracy, while reducing environmental impacts across airports and airlines globally.
The implementation of the solution at Spain’s main airports reflects the growing demand for artificial intelligence-based technology to improve ground operations, where precise synchronization, seamless coordination, and real-time visibility are critical to efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and an improved passenger experience. The system demonstrates its ability to maximize the capacity of the existing infrastructure and reduce turnaround times, leading to improved safety and operational efficiency for all stakeholders involved in the apron control process. The integrated solution developed by Indra and Synaptic Aviation has been deployed securely, tailored to each customer’s cybersecurity policies and requirements, and implemented locally as a complete enterprise application.
Without the need for major changes to the existing infrastructure, it delivers immediate benefits across operational workflows and enables the airport teams to make faster decisions with reliable information, reducing delays, emissions, and costs. This implementation is fully aligned with Aena’s strategic priorities, in its undertaking to modernize airport systems and meet its environmental objectives through smarter data-driven technologies.