ACI World reveals winners of Technology Innovation Awards

During the Airports Council International (ACI) Africa / World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition today, ACI World and Amadeus have announced the winners of the Technology Innovation Awards, which put a spotlight on the best technology initiatives and leadership by airports. 

With this second edition of the awards ACI World and Amadeus seek to celebrate innovative technology solutions developed and implemented by airports across the globe serving to enhance airport experience, advance sustainability efforts, increase operational efficiency or foster continuous improvement.

A committee of external industry experts assessed submissions received from airports around the world and determined the winner in each category:

1. Best innovation in airport passenger related processes: AENA – Biometric journey from home to aircraft at Barcelona Airport (BCN)
2. Best innovation in airport operations and installations management: Incheon Airport (ICN) – Data Sandbox
3. Best airport innovation leader (individual): Suhail Kamil Kadri, Senior Vice President, Technology & Innovation at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH).

“Partnering with travel technology company Amadeus, we aim to continue to encourage and applaud these stellar examples of technology leadership. We received many great submissions from airports all over the world,” said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira.

“Technology is a key ingredient to building a stronger, sustainable, and more resilient aviation industry. It will also be crucial to continue our overall mission to put the customer at the centre of everything we do. Whether directly touching on the airport experience or improving operations, it ultimately benefits the traveller and the communities we serve. And we wouldn’t exist without both.

“We congratulate these winners for pushing our industry to new heights. They are true examples to their peers.”

Elena Avila, EVP Airport IT and Airline Operations at Amadeus commented: “Amadeus congratulates this year’s winning airports for their commitment to innovation. The rapid restart of global aviation has underlined the importance of applying new technology that automates and enhances both passenger experience and operational performance. However, we at Amadeus believe the industry is already reaching the limits of what can be achieved by working in silos. We believe that a new generation of open technology offers airports, airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders the chance to collaborate more effectively.

“It’s only by working in unison that our industry can unlock a step-change in performance that makes air travel more sustainable, more efficient and more enjoyable. We look forward to supporting the industry as it embarks on this transformation.”