In partnership with tech firm Assaia, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has announced a rollout of a new AI system across all 106 gates at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Launching ApronAI
Toronto Pearson’s new tech, launched this week, is set to revolutionize performance and customer experience at Canada’s largest airport. Assaia’s artificial intelligence-driven ApronAI aids the airport with aircraft turnaround times, allowing for more efficient gate availability, improved on-time performance, and further transparency for travelers.
“We’re creating the airport of the future, and innovation in apron operations will directly improve the passenger experience,” explained Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the GTAA.
“We’re pleased for the potential industry-wide transformation that may result from these new technologies. We are laser focused on innovations that will make Pearson and its whole apron ecosystem more efficient while reducing our carbon footprint.”
Like many airports, Toronto Pearson has been working towards upgrading and updating its systems to prevent delays, cancellations, and other airport mayhem amid the surge in travel demand. AI technology has become a convenient and efficient option, streamlining many processes, from ticket pricing and emissions to baggage handling.
Working solutions
Assaia’s AI systems have proven popular with airports and airlines worldwide. The company has already monitored over 1.5 million flights across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The ApronAI solution offers a mix of AI and computer learning, formatting data into a live dashboard to create comprehensive reports covering quality, resource, and safety management. While tech-heavy, the system offers user-friendly interfaces, providing airport managers with updates via SMS alerts.
“It is a win for us, for our airlines and, most importantly, for the passengers,” added Darin Juby, GTAA’s Digitalization Program Director.
“We can now optimize the time the gate is in use, which makes the airport more efficient. It provides airlines with the tools to cut turnaround times. And in turn, that improves on-time performance.”
Into the future
Over the past several years, Toronto Pearson has either launched or piloted various digital solutions for passengers and operations. Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, the airport installed new innovative health features to ensure a cleaner and virus-free atmosphere, including UVC cleaning units, touchless tech, and autonomous floor cleaners across all terminals.
In November 2022, the airport became the first to pilot the AI-driven HEXWAVE, a security detection screening solution developed by Liberty Defense, to innovate its broader airport security program. The system works by detecting concealed items under the clothing during the screening process, creating a 3D radar image for security staff that can detect metallic and non-metallic objects. The trial proved successful for Toronto Pearson, which announced it had signed a letter of intent to purchase the solution in February, subject to further evaluation.
In a statement posted on February 23, GTAA’s Director of Corporate Safety and Security, Dwayne MacIntosh, praised the new system and Toronto Pearson’s place at the forefront of innovating airport technologies.
What are your thoughts on Toronto Pearson’s new AI systems? Let us know in the comments.
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