By Neelabh Saxena
New Delhi. 15 July 2023. The Airport Modernization Summit 2023, organized by Traicon, proved to be a significant gathering that brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders in the aviation sector. The two-day conference, with its focus on airport modernization, sustainability, and efficiency, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on innovative strategies and technologies that can drive the aviation industry forward.
Day 1 of the summit commenced with a warm welcome speech delivered by the Traicon organizers. The speech set the tone for the event, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The summit was officially inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment, signifying the beginning of an enlightening and productive gathering.
The inaugural session featured a presentation on the groundbreaking Digi Yatra app, a technological marvel aimed at transforming the passenger experience. The app’s main objective is to facilitate paperless and contactless check-in and boarding services, streamlining airport operations and enhancing passenger convenience. The CEO of Digi Yatra also acknowledged its potential to revolutionize the aviation industry.
Following the Digi Yatra presentation, the conference witnessed presentations by Kyndrl, Amadeus IT Group, and WAISL, showcasing their state-of-the-art digital technologies designed to modernize airport operations. These cutting-edge solutions aimed to optimize various processes, enhance security measures, and improve passenger services. The presentations were both informative and inspiring, leaving the audience with a glimpse into the future of airport technology.
The presentations set the stage for a lively and engaging panel discussion on “Deployment of Digital Technologies to Modernize Indian Airports: Shaping the Future of the Aviation Industry.” Panelists, who were experts in the field, discussed the challenges and opportunities of integrating digital technologies in airport operations. They emphasized the need for collaboration and standardization to ensure the seamless implementation of these technologies across the industry. The discussion shed light on the transformative potential of digital innovations and how they can shape the future of aviation in India.
The conference then continued with presentations by Hitachi Systems India and APL Apollo, both contributing significantly to airport modernization through their technological advancements. Hitachi showcased its cutting-edge systems and solutions designed to enhance airport security, operational efficiency, and sustainability. APL Apollo, a leader in steel tube manufacturing, highlighted its pivotal role in providing robust infrastructure solutions for airport construction.
The day’s discussions further delved into the concept of sustainable and smart airports. The engaging panel discussion titled “Blueprint for Sustainable & Smart Airports: Infrastructure, Planning, Urban Design” revolved around designing airports with a keen focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and smart infrastructure. The experts stressed the importance of incorporating green practices and leveraging advanced technologies to create eco-friendly and future-ready airports that cater to the growing needs of the aviation industry.
Day 1 concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions to the conference. The dynamic discussions and informative presentations on the first day set the stage for an equally impactful Day 2.
As the first day came to an end, attendees were already looking forward to the next day’s sessions. The Airport Modernization Summit 2023 had proven to be a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and exploring innovative solutions for the aviation industry’s progress. The insights gained on Day 1 would undoubtedly pave the way for more in-depth discussions and promising opportunities on Day 2.
Day 2 of the Airport Modernization Summit 2023 commenced with a warm welcome speech by Traicon, setting the stage for another day of insightful discussions and exploration of innovative strategies for advancing the aviation industry. The presentations began with Mr. Jan M. Wicki’s presentation on “Noida: Accelerating the Air Travel Experience in India.” He presented ambitious plans and developments in Noida that aim to revolutionize air travel by enhancing connectivity and passenger convenience. His presentation showcased the potential for Noida to become a key player in the aviation landscape, fostering growth and progress in the region. Also, showed how it will become a hub for tourism in India.
Mr. V. K. Tripathi’s presentation on “Flow of Safety Information & Decision Making” was a critical aspect of the conference. He emphasized the importance of seamless communication and data-driven decision-making processes to ensure a safe and efficient air travel experience. Safety remains a top priority in the aviation industry, and Tripathi’s insights shed light on the measures taken to optimize safety protocols and enhance risk management.
Arun Sheshanarayana’s presentation on “Bengaluru Airport’s Ameliorative Advancements with Metaverse Technology” was a highlight of the day. He showcased how the integration of metaverse technology can significantly enhance passenger engagement, wayfinding, and overall airport management. The application of metaverse technology opens up new possibilities in the aviation industry, ensuring an immersive and seamless experience for travellers.
The conference continued with an engaging panel discussion on “Greenfield Airports Taking over Brownfield Airports.” The panelists – Mr. V. K. Tripathi and Mr. Dominic Fernandez deliberated on the challenges and opportunities associated with constructing new airports from scratch and transforming existing airports to meet the demands of the future. The discussion brought to light the significance of sustainable and smart infrastructure in building airports that can cater to the growing needs of the aviation industry.
Surabhi Rana’s presentation on “Connecting Noida to the World” provided valuable insights into the strategic future role Noida would play in the global aviation landscape. As an emerging aviation hub, Noida has the potential to become a major player in international air travel. The presentation shed light on the opportunities for collaboration and growth in the region.
The conference concluded with a presentation on “Optimization: Key to Airport Management, Performance, Efficiency & Profitability.” Mr. Dominic Fernandez showcased how optimizing airport processes, resources, and technology can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved overall performance. By embracing optimization strategies, airports can achieve enhanced operational capabilities and remain competitive in the evolving aviation industry.
The Airport Modernization Summit 2023 proved to be an enriching and enlightening event for all participants. The presentations, discussions, and exchange of ideas throughout the two-day conference highlighted the significance of digital technologies, sustainability, and efficient management in shaping the future of the aviation industry. The summit provided valuable insights and fostered collaborations that will undoubtedly drive innovation and progress in the dynamic world of airport modernization. The conference demonstrated that by embracing technology and sustainable practices, the aviation industry can continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of travellers and stakeholders alike.
