Airports are the gateways and one of the most important parameters in the aviation the ecosystem with huge potential for digital adoption therefore CII Centre for Digital Transformation organised a Session on Driving Sustainability in Airports through Digitization today over the Virtual Platform.
Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the Chief Guest for the Session said that India is very rapidly moving on the issue of environment sustainability and highlighted that the civil aviation sector is focusing on sustainability & net zero carbon emission which is the need of the hour. He mentioned that 96 of India’s airports will be carbon neutral by 2024. The Hon’ble Minister said that India has been experimenting with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) since two years where blended fuel has been used by some of the airlines. He highlighted the need for low-cost energy resources, to power the airport infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuel and fuel-efficient models, to encourage eco-friendliness and innovative solutions towards achieving carbon-neutrality.
Mr Ronojoy Dutta, Chairman, CII National Committee on Civil Aviation & CEO, Indigo welcomed the Hon’ble Minister and mentioned that Virtual modelling and simulation will allow airports to better allocate resources to respond during peak times thus ensuring efficiency of their operations. Mr Dutta further said that optimal use of resources through big data and analytics will also help airports to optimise passenger flows, allowing them to process larger numbers and provide information for effective decision-making thus enhancing sustainability.
Highlighting the need to create sustainable airports through digital solutions, Mr. Anil Chaudhry, MD, CEO, SEIPL & Zone President, Greater India Zone, Schneider Electric said, “Climate change is a reality and the key pillars to mitigate the risk of the same lie in sustainability, operational and energy efficiency. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Airports reaffirms the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s vision of creating world-class airports. Airports have evolved into self-standing intelligent smart cities with end-to-end digitization. These digital solutions enable airports to optimise energy, improve energy quality, and adhere to environmental regulations. Our Green Yodha initiative illustrates our commitment to sustainability and our role in the developments of Airports 4.0. It contributes to the task of bridging the divide between airport operations and digitisation."
Mr. Christoph Schnellmann, CEO, Noida International Airport in his address said that “Sustainability, and digitalization have figured very high on our agenda since day one of the Noida International Airport and the commitment to designing and operating airports on a net zero emissions basis have been an important part of every step of the operations”. He further mentioned that they have selected key design and engineering partners, as they proceeded to construct and develop the Noida International Airport where the possibilities and the potential of digitalization and digital technologies have been recognised and will be utilized.
A Panel Discussion on DX : Emerging Trends & Technologies supporting Airport Development witnessed eminent speakers such as Dr Hari Parameshwar Director, Design & Build, Shapoorji Pallonji - Engineering & Construction, Mr. Rao Munukutla, Chief Executive Officer, Bengaluru Airport City Limited – BACL, Mr. Prasad Jaligama, Head- Strategic Planning Group ,GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd and Mr. Ashutosh Shukla, Director-Transportation & Mobility, Power Systems Division, Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd.
The session highlighted that Digitization has a crucial role to play towards driving Sustainability in Airports since it improves efficiency, which reduces costs and in turn improves passenger experience. The deliberations focussed on important parameters in the aviation ecosystem which have huge potential for digital adoption and could aid sustainability and create a resilient infrastructure for a cleaner tomorrow.
29 March 2022