This is the first interview of our newly created "Customer of the month" interview series.

We are happy to introduce Aitor Caballero Sevillano, Airport Operations Junior Manager from Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI airport).

Can you describe your position / role in your company?

Currently I am working as Airport Operations Junior Manager at AENA, specifically in the Ground Operations Management Department at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). Basically, my role consists in guaranteeing the quality standards in all the ground operations performed at the airport. I am also in charge of coordinating and managing the operational procedures from the Airport to Handlings. I consider myself very lucky to be part of such a committed, well organized and adaptive team. Also, their international perspective and innovative vision are key factors in today’s changing environment.


What are the challenges your company is currently facing and which are you trying to solve?

In terms of Real Time Operations Management, main challenges for our company is to implement a sensor network in all the airport processes (passenger, baggage and aircraft processes, including the turnaround processes) that enables the Airport Manager and the rest of airport stakeholders to monitor (to receive information of) the progress of the different airport processes in real time, to compare that progress against the plan and, thus, to take mitigation actions to reduce any deviation from the plan. In that sense, Assaia’s system may contribute to this challenge since it may be a very complete “sensor system” to monitor the turnaround processes. In short terms, this PoC (Proof of Concept) with Assaia is within AENA's strategic plan of Smart Operations Management.


What was the main reason for you to start working with Assaia?

Like in all sectors, adaptability and flexibility are the key to a consolidated growth. Assaia provides a solution using Artificial Intelligence that gathers data of the turnarounds in real time to understand what is happening and offers predictive analysis to better manage operations, so it would be an amazing tool for the Airport Operations Control Center to optimize the usage of the infrastructures. But not only would it be good for the airport, also for the handling companies because they will be able to manage possible issues during turnarounds thanks to Assaia’s predictive analysis.


What is your vision for the future of the aviation industry? Can you describe how the future of the industry would look like if it was up to you?

Nowadays, due to coronavirus pandemic, our daily habits have changed, and so has the aviation industry. I hope for a quick recovery for the sector, because aviation brings the world together and it is essential for our current lifestyle. I am sure that aviation industry is going to change and I hope that this situation with the coronavirus will bring a change for the better. I cannot imagine the future without innovation, technology, sustainability and commitment to the environment and I think airlines, handlings, aircraft manufactures and airports have to work together to improve our industry and guarantee the best for our futures.


Can you describe the current stage of your collaboration with Assaia?

Currently we are working on a pilot project, we have 3 stands monitored by Assaia on the Terminal C at Palma de Mallorca Airport and we are eager to get the initial report and get the user Dashboard to analyze the results.


What do you think is important for other people in similar roles that are thinking about doing a similar project?

In my opinion, participating in these kinds of projects, in which two different companies share their knowledge and tools is always profitable for both parties because you can learn from each other and develop yourself professionally. I think it is the way to innovate and create new solutions in our industry.

Testimonials

The use of Assaia's TurnaroundControl has provided our Airline Partners, Ground Handlers, and Service Providers with full visibility of the aircraft turn processes. The data, predictability, and visibility enhances our collective efficiency and resilience at Toronto Pearson. Paired with our A-CDM initiative, Assaia's TurnaroundControl provides crucial data driving A-CDM processes, a reduction in turn times, and a noticeable increase in on-time performance.

Dean Wright
Associate Director, Gating & Airport Flow

The way Turnaround 2.0 uses AI and machine learning to boost our zone controllers' efficiency is remarkable. They can now manage multiple gate activities with more focus on handling exceptions, rather than multitasking. Turnaround 2.0 is more than a tool for the present; it's a foundation for 'United Next,' growing with us and helping us surpass our operational goals efficiently.

Daniel Reed
Director of Station Operations, United Airlines

Our focus is to use innovation to make our operations smoother. We have selected Assaia because of the capabilities of the tool. But it is also really important for us that it has a good record of successful implementation, so we know it will deliver for us, for our airlines and ultimately for our passengers.

Dr Babett Stapel
Managing Director, Fraport Slovenjia

We are optimizing all our processes on the apron to shorten the time each aircraft needs to be on the ground, which benefits both our passengers and our airline partners. This is a common issue across our airports and we are talking to all of them about this technology.

Claus Grunow
VP of Corporate Strategy and Digitalization at Fraport

We are pleased to partner with Assaia to implement the ApronAI Turnaround Control solution at T4. This new solution will not only optimize operations and our work with our business partners, but will also help us to ensure a first-class customer experience at T4.

Roel Huinink
President and CEO, JFKIAT

For most airports, the apron is a a black box. Assaia finally gives our ground staff full insight into every turnaround. This allows them to focus on what really matters, while simultaneously making the work environment safer.

Jason Aspelund
Former Manager Strategic Performance, Alaska Airlines

The real-time and historical insights that can inform both airport and airline operations make this solution a clear winner for everyone.

Craig Paul
Director of Technology & Innovation , Halifax Stanfield International

Assaia's product allows airports and airlines to collect, track, and analyze data in real time; this innovation removes inefficiencies and optimizes performance.

Jim Lockheed
JetBlue Ventures

We’re creating the airport of the future, and innovation in apron operations will directly improve the passenger experience. We are laser focused on innovations that will make Pearson and its whole apron ecosystem more efficient while reducing our carbon footprint.

Deborah Flint
President and CEO GTAA

SEA needed an innovative solution to our capacity problem and have worked with Assaia to optimize the turnaround process resulting in reduced taxi times and increased passenger satisfaction. Assaia has exceeded our expectations, consistently delivering on-time & on-budget.

Samer Tirhi
Airline Scheduling Coordinator, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

With the help of Predicted Off Block Time from Assaia. JFKIAT Operations can be proactive to reduce or eliminate any delays and gate holds

Stephen Tukavkin
VP IT & Digital, JFKIAT

I had mentioned before, great innovation on your part. With these types of improvements, T4 is always leading at JFK. Thank you

COPA Station Manager
JFKIAT

We are proud to be partnering with the Assaia team in our mission to use technology to improve the efficiency and safety of the airport environment.

Raghbir S. Pattar
Director of Airports Transformation, IAG

We’re working hard on becoming an airport of the future, and this involves rethinking every part of our ground operations. Assaia’s ApronAI is an integral component of our vision for the ramp of the future.

Abhi Chacko
Head of Innovation & Commercial IT Services, Gatwick Airport

Assaia’s technology adds critical data points to CVG’s early-stage neural network for operational advancements. Structured data generated by artificial intelligence will provide information to make decisions, optimize airside processes, and improve efficiency and safety.

Brian Cobb
CIO, CVG Airport

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