Qatar’s award-winning airport won the prestigious ‘Smart Solution of the Year’ award thanks to the innovative initiative
Doha, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) has officially launched an innovative ‘Digital Twin’ initiative as part of its smart airport program. This Digital Twin provides a real-time view of the airport through an intuitive 3D interface. Its powerful analytical engine integrates information from multiple airport systems to provide intelligent recommendations to help optimize operations.
The development combined 3D modelling techniques, data-analytics, and Artificial Intelligence to deliver improved, faster and data-driven decision making. The Digital Twin manages aircraft stand conflicts, enables effective responses to alerts and monitors the health of critical airport assets. Additionally, it effectively utilizes the right data at the right time to allow optimization of resources to minimize asset downtime.
The airport industry is increasingly recognizing the potential of Digital Twin technology to support critical airport operations. HIA’s Digital Twin initiative has been recognized as the ‘Smart Solution of the Year’, earning it an award at the Qatar IT Business Awards.
Senior Vice President Technology & Innovation at Hamad International Airport, Mr Suhail Kadri, stated: “Hamad International Airport, in conjunction with industry partner SITA, is actively shaping the future of the airport industry by being one of the few airports in the world to develop a functioning digital twin and experiment with challenging use cases, ushering in a new era of efficiency.”
“This one-of-a-kind technology will continue to mature and radically change how operational teams across the airport consume information and make decisions. We are delighted to be first movers in this area and accelerate the adoption of this breakthrough technology, which will ultimately benefit passengers, our airline partners and all airport stakeholders,” Mr Kadri added.
Hani El-Assaad, SITA President, Middle East and Africa, said: “Many congratulations to HIA for winning the ‘Smart Solution of the Year’ award. We’re delighted that our digital twin technology was part of that win.”
“Digital twin has huge potential for airports looking to streamline their operations, which are hugely complex, involving many stakeholders, assets and activities. By creating the digital twin of an airport, we can capture everything that is happening at the airport in a holistic view. This has enabled HIA to make more informed decisions and improve their operations”.
HIA is named as the World’s Best Airport of 2022 according to SKYTRAX, and the Official Airport Partner of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is continuously investing in cutting-edge technology as it attracts growing numbers of travellers looking for a smooth and seamless journey. Such efforts put HIA as the key leader of tech in the region – as the award-winning airport is on a clear mission to become the world’s leading digital air hub – reconstructing its operations digitally, efficiently and securely
HIA, the gateway to Qatar and the world.
Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of global travellers, Hamad International Airport is a diverse lifestyle destination of its own. Housed in one expansive terminal, HIA integrates contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and relaxation facilities, and a world-class art collection from internationally acclaimed artists.
HIA has transformed the airport experience to ensure operational excellence while prioritising passenger and staff health, well-being, and security. Underpinned by advanced airport systems, HIA continues to optimise airport operations by introducing safety measures fuelled by smart solutions, strengthening passenger trust and confidence.
HIA has earned significant accolades, attaining the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021” title at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2021. Qatar’s International Airport has also been awarded “Best Airport in the Middle East”, “Best Airport 25 to 35 million Passengers”, “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East”, and “COVID-19 Airport Excellence”. In addition, HIA was the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to receive a 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating by Skytrax.
To reinforce its position as the preferred gateway for travel, HIA is currently undertaking an expansion project that will increase capacity and enhance its multi-dimensional offering. Delivering on its promise to be the ‘airport-of-the-future’, HIA’s expansion will feature a refreshing environment of lush greenery, as well as contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities. As the Official Airport Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, HIA is ready to create memorable experiences for football fans across the globe.
The airport’s commercial and operation functions are managed by MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group.
For more information, visit HIA’s website http://www.dohahamadairport.com and follow the airport’s latest news on HIA’s social media channels: , and .
About SITA
SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 17,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 60% of the air transport community’s data exchange.
In 2021, SITA became a certified CarbonNeutral® company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the leading global standard for carbon neutral programs. We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for all our operations through our UN recognized Planet+ program, while also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2022, we announced our commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative Net-Zero Standard.
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