Latest news with #aviationtechnology
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
dnata rolls out autonomous vehicles in airport operations
dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has deployed a fleet of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), introducing next -generation technology in ramp operations. The rollout marks a significant step in the automation of ground handling services – one of the aviation industry's most labour-, and time-intensive areas. Enhanced efficiency and safety dnata now operates six electric tractors – the EZTow model developed by TractEasy– at DWC. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes. With these new vehicles now in service, and as they become integrated into operations, staff who previously drove baggage tractors can be reassigned to more complex, value-added tasks, supporting faster turnarounds. At the same time, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, making airside operations safer for everyone on the ramp. From controlled trials to live airport operations The AED 6 million (US$ 1.6 million) project deployment begins with Level 3 autonomy, which involves minimal human oversight. This will upgrade to Level 4 autonomy, defined by full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments, in early 2026. Building the blueprint for tomorrow's airport Beyond its day-to-day role, dnata will use this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine different operating models for autonomous ground handling. The aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout – especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world's largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The insights gained will help shape how automation is built into the core of future airport operations at DWC. A game-changer for mobility 'This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,' said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.' 'Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, TractEasy's CEO. 'TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.' Autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) has become a key focus area for innovation in recent years. According to IATA, such trials are currently underway in more than 15 countries, though most remain in early testing phases or restricted to small-scale pilots. dnata's latest deployment positions it at the forefront of this shift and builds on its broader innovation agenda. Recent highlights include the successful integration of autonomous drones into its warehouse operations, which significantly reduced processing times and increased accuracy in shipment tracking. The rollout follows over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The parties have been working together to create a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments, which remain largely undefined at a global level.
Associated Press
16-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
HONEYWELL RUNWAY SAFETY TECHNOLOGY SELECTED BY SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FOR FLEETWIDE INSTALLATION
PARIS, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced that Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is in the process of activating its entire Boeing 737 aircraft fleet with SmartRunway and SmartLanding software designed to increase runway safety. This capability is enabled via the Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) already on Southwest aircraft, and more than 700 aircraft have been activated to date. SmartRunway and SmartLanding helps increase flight crew situational awareness during taxi, take-off and landing with aural and visual alerts and promotes stabilized approaches. It proactively notifies pilots when they are moving too fast, fly too high or are directed toward the wrong runway, helping to break the chain of events that may lead to runway accidents. SmartRunway and SmartLanding is certified for most Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as well as numerous business aviation platforms. 'Today's pilots face increasing challenges including unpredictable weather and dense traffic in limited airspace, forcing them to make split-second decisions during takeoff and landing. Fortunately, as the challenges evolve, so does the technology that provides the information they need in real time,' said Jim Currier, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. 'Southwest is continuing to put pilots and passengers first by investing in SmartRunway and SmartLanding software across its fleet.' Honeywell's next-generation runway safety technology, Surface Alerts (SURF-A), is now being tested and is expected to be certified on commercial air transport aircraft in 2026 pending regulatory approvals. SURF-A is a groundbreaking cockpit alerting software that uses GPS data, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast equipment and advanced analytics to provide pilots with direct aural and visual alerts of potential runway traffic. Like SmartRunway and SmartLanding, SURF-A is enabled via Honeywell's EGPWS. This agreement furthers Honeywell's long-standing partnership with Southwest, the world's largest 737 platform operator. In 2015, Southwest selected Honeywell flight-deck systems for its 240-unit order of 737 MAX airliners, adding to its existing fleet of 737 Next Generation models flying with Honeywell cockpit avionics. Southwest was also the first airline to incorporate Honeywell's Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver technology into its fleet. 'Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Southwest,' said Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines. 'Honeywell's SmartRunway and SmartLanding software will provide our pilots with enhanced situational awareness to ensure the highest level of safety while operating on runways throughout the network.' About Honeywell Products and services from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and in many terrestrial systems. The Aerospace Technologies business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, power systems, and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit or follow Honeywell Aerospace Technologies on LinkedIn. Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer, as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit Contact: Media Adam Kress 602-760-6252 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Honeywell International Inc.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Airlines reveal how AI-powered luggage tracking is cutting back on lost bags
Airlines are losing fewer bags thanks to technological innovations, a new report has revealed. According to aviation technology company Sita, 33.4 million bags were mishandled in 2024, a drop from 33.8 million the previous year. With passenger numbers up by 8.2 per cent, the rate of lost luggage fell to 6.3 per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023 – a 67 per cent drop since 2007. Sita said that airports and airlines are handling baggage with "more precision" via real-time tracking, AI-powered analytics, and self-service systems. The report stated that these advancements are "no longer experimental, they are becoming standard and they are clearly having an effect". Sita chief executive David Lavorel said: 'We've seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking. 'Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. 'It's no longer just about moving bags, it's about delivering a smooth, connected journey. 'Airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out. 'Together with our partners, we're reimagining baggage handling to give passengers full visibility and control from departure to arrival, giving them peace of mind and making travel simpler and better.' Despite the improvement, lost bags cost the aviation industry an estimated five billion US dollars (£4.2 billion) last year from courier returns, customer service, claims handling and lost productivity. Delays remained the most common baggage issue last year, accounting for 74 per cent of mishandling incidents. Of the 33.4 million mishandled bags, some 66 per cent were 'resolved' within 48 hours, the report added. How to reduce the chance of losing luggage While no one expects to see their bags go missing as they fly between terminals, figures show that it does happen quite often. The Independent's travel correspondent Simon Calder says if your bag hasn't turned up, the process to reclaim it is 'wearily familiar' due to how common the issue is. He says: 'Each airline has a representative in the baggage hall run by ground handlers. If your case doesn't appear, then you can talk to them and begin the official procedure: filling in a report that has all your personal details and a description of the lost case.' 'If there's no one there, the airline will have a lost-baggage portal online where you can fill out a report. You must do that as soon as possible – certainly within 24 hours.' The issue will usually be down the a mistake made by the airline, and as such is largely unavoidable. However, there are precautions that can be taken to ensure your chances of misfortune are lower. Here are some top tips: To minimise risk, avoid checking luggage if possible, and pack essentials in carry-on baggage, assuming checked bags might be lost. Connecting hubs like London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Amsterdam are common places for bags to get lost, so consider booking direct flights. To increase the chances of recovery, place identification with contact details inside the luggage, as external tags can be torn off. Airlines are responsible for returning delayed bags, with most found within five days; passengers can claim modest expenses for necessities, and compensation up to £1,000 is available for permanently lost luggage under the Montreal Convention.
