Airbus Strengthens Middle East Footprint with Advanced Aviation Solutions

Exclusive interview with Thibaut Faivre, Head of Sales and Program Delivery for the Middle East, Africa, and India at Airbus Public Safety and Security

As the Middle East continues to emerge as a global aviation hub, Airbus is at the forefront of transforming both regional security and airport operations. From managing massive events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to streamlining airport turnaround processes, the company is leveraging digital innovation to address the region’s unique challenges. In this interview, we explore Airbus’s strategic presence in the Middle East and its cutting-edge solutions for modernizing airport operations, particularly through its Agnet Turnaround platform that’s revolutionizing ground handling efficiency and communication.

Could you provide us with a brief overview of Airbus’ approach and strategy in the Middle East, along with insights into the types of clients you are engaging with in the region?

The Middle East is a unique region where the geopolitical environment is very specific, with high security challenges. The economy is also booming: we see a sizable increase in the population and the multiplication of large international events to host, which is consistent with ambitious visions such as Dubai 2040, KSA Vision 2030 or Kuwait Vision 2035 for example. There is finally a strong demand for high technology to be developed locally with the regional ecosystem of start-ups, government owned companies and universities. In addition to that, cities like Dubai and Riyadh are becoming references in terms of digitization and smart cities, with ICT and IoT systems being interconnected and providing security forces with full views of situations that require their attention. Taking all of this into account, for 40 years, Airbus has been locally developing, implementing and maintaining critical communications networks and systems for public safety organizations as well as critical industry players and enterprises. We rely on long-term partnerships with several regional players, for accessories and devices for instance, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to offer end to end communications and collaboration solutions, meet as many use cases as needed and support a smooth transition from narrowband to broadband technologies. The operational deployments of our solutions as part of large events such as the Hajj (2.5m pilgrims per day), Dubai Expo 2020 (25m visitors) or FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (20m attendees), are part of the best examples of these collaborations.

What are the primary challenges that airports face in ensuring efficient turnaround operations, and how does Agnet Turnaround address these issues?

While the air transportation industry keeps growing, the market is facing new challenges. Handling the increasing number of passengers and air cargo alone requires even greater attention, not to mention the demanding environmental and operational standards set to the industry. To meet these new challenges, turnaround operations must be seamless, secure, and functioning in real-time. One key factor is efficient and fast communications between the airport, ground teams, control centers, and airlines. Agnet Turnaround perfectly fits the most common communications challenges at airports such as communications between different teams, security of the communications channels, lack of live information or user experience. Our solution invites all teams on the same communications and collaboration platform, allowing different groups to connect instantly with the right stakeholder and to coordinate their tasks. It also meets the highest level of security requirements that prevent compromised devices and unauthorized users from accessing the airport’s resources. In addition to that, Agnet Turnaround offers automatic group creation based on the flight number for the turnaround.

Can you elaborate on how enhanced communications and collaboration through digital tools impact the coordination among ground staff during turnaround operations?

Enhanced communications and collaboration through digital tools like Agnet Turnaround enable live monitoring for ground handling staff during turnaround operations, facilitate easy tracking of relevant tasks, and ensure that the information always reaches the correct person right away. The ability to connect instantly with relevant parties involved in specific operations significantly enhances ground efficiency. Automatic reporting reduces response time and ensures immediate contact with those assigned to managing incidents, boosting airport safety. Automated report generation, alerts, group creation, workflow status and task assignment features streamline turnaround management processes. With Agnet Turnaround, not only do ground handling teams have a secure communications and collaboration platform within easy reach but they also benefit from a workflow tool.

How does Airbus Public Safety and Security ensure the integration of Agnet Turnaround into existing airport systems, and what benefits can stakeholders expect from this integration?

Disruptions in communications practices at airports result in delays, poor passenger experiences and additional costs. Moreover, these continuing slips create a negative impression of the operators, especially during times when, for example, the importance of reducing CO2 emissions is under strict scrutiny. By integrating Agnet Turnaround into existing systems, through an evolutive list of APIs and following the Agile methodology thus enabling a quick adaptation and a short-cycle development, airport stakeholders will avoid operational, reputational, and financial damages. The different teams will no longer need to waste time pondering how to reach any of the crucial operators in the fast-paced airport environment. By eliminating all the extra steps in the communication cycle, there are clear improvements in reducing delays, taxi times, queues, and disruptions in ground operations, such as luggage and cargo handling.