ACI World and Amadeus have announced the winners of the Technology Innovation Awards, which honour the best technology initiatives and leadership by airports. 

The awards, being held for the second time, aim to celebrate innovative technology solutions developed and implemented by airports. These should enhance airport experience, advance sustainability efforts, increase operational efficiency or foster continuous improvement, according to the partners. Winners were selected by a committee of external industry experts.

The award for the best innovation in airport passenger related processes was won by Spanish airports operator Aena for its ‘biometric journey from home to aircraft at Barcelona Airport’ initiative. Best innovation in airport operations and installations management was won South Korea’s Incheon Airport for its ‘Data Sandbox’ project, while Suhail Kamil Kadri, senior vice president, technology & innovation at Doha’s Hamad International Airport was named best airport innovation leader (individual).

“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,” said Elena Avila, EVP airport IT and airline operations at Amadeus.

“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.”  

Image: Check-in area of the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, courtesy of Aena