At Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, so-called artificial intelligence is set to play a major role in the area of ​​handling in the future. It is the first German airport to use special software from which optimization is expected.

By using artificial intelligence, BER wants to increase service quality, punctuality and efficiency. At the same time, we see ourselves as a pioneer, as we were the first German airport to opt for such a software solution. However, whether this will prove effective in the long term still needs to be proven.

“With stable processes and reliable flight schedules, an airport as an infrastructure operator contributes to a good travel experience for passengers. At BER, we will be relying on an AI-based solution in the future to further increase the stability of the network and punctuality values. We expect the machine learning of the software to provide us with valuable insights that will give us additional impetus for the further development of processes in operational airport operations,” explains Thomas Hoff Andersson, Chief Operations Officer at Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH.

While BER's most recently introduced digital products focused primarily on terminal operations, the focus is now on the capital airport's 49 apron positions near the terminal. Together with the company Assaia, Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH is implementing a system across the board - the digital TurnaroundControl solution - with which handling processes on the apron are analyzed using self-learning software and relevant recommendations for action are issued. This allows the work steps on the aircraft to be optimized, which leads to greater stability in the flight plan and increased punctuality. The product will be rolled out gradually over the coming months.

Numerous cameras were installed on the apron to provide the software with real-time information about the handling processes. The artificial intelligence then makes recommendations. These can be used by BER employees to optimize processes and increase punctuality.

“We are very pleased to be working with Berlin Brandenburg Airport and to be part of the airport’s journey to offer travelers at BER the best possible experience. Our technology will help the airport achieve its goals: greater safety and efficiency, more check-ins per gate and improved punctuality,” said Max Diez, CEO Assaia.