Summary of Thesis :
Airports play a vital role in the growth of the aviation industry by serving as gateways to air travel, facilitating connectivity, supporting economic development, catalyzing tourism, enabling trade and commerce, driving innovation, and responding to market demand. As key components of the global transportation infrastructure, airports are essential drivers of economic prosperity, mobility, and connectivity in the modern world.
Airport operations are greatly influenced and made more efficient by infrastructure and technology. Improvements in airport technology have greatly influenced the safety, efficiency, and overall experience of air travel for passengers.
To improve airport operations and the travel experience for passengers, "smart airport" ideas use technology such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Improved efficiency and happiness are the results of smart technologies that allow for proactive resource management, predictive modelling of passenger flows, and individualised services.
Environmental sustainability is also greatly aided by airport infrastructure and technology. Renewable energy sources, waste management systems, and energy-efficient structures all work together to lessen human influence on the environment without sacrificing productivity or affordability.
There are 2 types of Infrastructure. (i) Airport facilities and (ii) Infrastructure located on land.
Different organizations own Airports in different countries. Airports are regulated by the government, regardless of whether they are privately owned or operated. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) establishes standards for various aspects of airport operations and infrastructure.
In order to maximise revenue generation, improve passenger experience, and guarantee efficient operations, it is vital to optimise the use of space and resources in terminal architecture and planning.
There are a number of businesses that focus on supplying ATM and ATC systems for the aviation industry. These businesses are leading the way in improving aviation safety, efficiency, and sustainability through creating cutting-edge solutions and technology for air traffic control and management.
Innovations are being created to better every aspect of air travel, and the aviation sector is undergoing a technological revolution. New, state-of-the-art technology is taking off and revolutionising the market. Every part of flying is being fine-tuned to make it safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for passengers. This includes the runway as well as the cockpit.
The future of the aviation sector is being shaped by developing technologies, which has never been more dynamic.
Some benefits of a smart airport include:
• Utilisation of real-time data led to enhanced operational efficiency.
• The optimisation of processes, raising productivity, and decreasing operational expenses.
• Better demand optimisation as a result of automated entrance procedures and tighter regulation of passenger flows.
• A vastly enhanced traveller experience as a result of enhanced passenger services, flight control, check-in, and so on.
• The use of biometric monitoring systems to increase safety and security, stronger cyber defences, and more dependable facility operations and maintenance.
• Enhanced health monitoring and on-site services (cleaning schedules, amenity availability, etc..,)
An outstanding travel experience for passengers is easily achieved through simplified check-in, efficient luggage processing, and faultless navigation. Optimal and quick check-in at self-service kiosks, tracking and matching of bags through baggage reconciliation, and monitoring of passenger movements and resource allocation through passenger flow management systems are all examples of the state-of-the-art technological solutions that progressive airports invest in.
The aviation sector must take environmental factors into account in order to reduce the negative effects of air travel on the environment, safeguard ecosystems and public health, adhere to legal requirements, and maintain corporate responsibility. For the aviation industry to remain viable and gain social approval in the long run, it is imperative that sustainable practices and technology are used.
While flying aircraft account for the majority of aviation's CO2 emissions, ground activities at airports can nevertheless strive towards greater sustainability.
Aviation has expanded faster than rail, road, or shipping in recent decades, and in 2022 it accounted for 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Aviation emissions in 2022 reached about 800 Mt CO2, or 80% of the pre-epidemic level, as demand for international travel picks back up after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The aviation sector functions within a multifaceted regulatory and policy environment encompassing global, regional, and national domains. To guarantee the efficiency, sustainability, safety, and security of air travel, a number of international organisations, governmental authorities, and regulatory bodies have built these frameworks.
Flying is now safer and more effective than ever thanks to new technological developments and industry innovation, which is continuously taking place in the aviation sector. But as the aviation sector innovates, there are dangers and difficulties that must be resolved to make sure that security and safety are not jeopardised. Regulations have been implemented to deal with these hazards and difficulties.
In the last three years, India's civil aviation sector has grown at one of the fastest rates in the nation. It can be broadly divided into three categories: scheduled air transport, which includes mail and cargo flown by air, non-scheduled air transport, which includes charter operators and air taxis, and domestic and international airlines.