Large Hub, Big Data

Air transportation is a dynamic industry that presents new challenges on a daily basis.

But aside from a few exceptions (i.e., a global pandemic), these challenges are somewhat predictable. The same recurring factors tend to impact airport operations, and operators are generally adept at responding to elements like weather events, maintenance issues and lengthy security queues.

Despite this predictability, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to meeting challenges in the aviation industry. Data is a plentiful commodity in the modern economy, and airports are no exception. With proper focus and investment, these critical pieces of transportation infrastructure can leverage analytics to the maximum benefit of their passengers and stakeholders.

Instead of an operational focus on response, airports must emphasize predictive actions through the proliferation of analytical tools and shifting staffing models. From passenger movement to asset management and emergency services, airports have nearly endless opportunities for the application of predictive analytics.

The world’s largest airports are often described as small cities. They have their own police forces and fire departments, plentiful food and beverage options, and leisure amenities on par with many downtowns. Yet at their core, they’re still designed to move air travelers as effectively as possible from Point A to Point B. In 2022, the 10 busiest airports in the United States served 36% of all passenger traffic moving through the country. 

The operational efficiency of these mega airports, as they’re often called, is critical to the success of the National Airspace System as a whole. Using data to create effective and proactive operational approaches at these top facilities benefits all airports and travelers.

Implementation of tactical data tools in the airport environment is obviously easier said than done. Every enterprise will encounter some type of challenge, whether it’s the local political climate, concerns with data privacy and information security or simply outdated thinking.

But these challenges are not insurmountable and should not deter mega airports from pursuing a proactive, data-driven operation. The one variable at play in every airport is people. While cliché, it’s true the most critical asset to any organization is its people. As part of an analytical transformation, airports should focus on recruiting and training the proper personnel while providing the organizational structure and support for success.

“From passenger movement to asset management and emergency services, airports have nearly endless opportunities for the application of predictive analytics.”

As mentioned, airport operators in the U.S. are adept at handling recurring types of problems. They’ve devised responsive plans and checklists; they complete regular operational inspections to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations. Even so, the responses are not as effective as they could be, given the anticipatory nature of predictive analytics. Airport operations control centers should become data hubs staffed with analysts using tools designed by data scientists. The need for responsive measures will never be eliminated; airport data cannot anticipate terrorist attacks or freak mechanical failures. However, response procedures should be heavily informed by the data and be implemented before problematic conditions exist whenever possible. By taking this proactive approach, the overall impact of an event can be minimized. On the other hand, taking proactive measures can also enhance passenger satisfaction and drive non-aeronautical airport revenue.

From cleaning restrooms to maintaining concession hours and staffing checkpoints, the potential for data use in airports is immense. Operations leaders should forge strong, data-focused partnerships with federal partners, air carrier tenants and their information technology colleagues. It’s time for airports to evaluate their staffing models and craft strategic plans for training existing staff and recruiting analytical minds.

The possibilities for operational efficiency will increase with continued development and proliferation of Artificial Intelligence tools, but will airports be prepared for these shifts? The answer must be yes, and the time to pursue a proactive, analytical operation is now.