Context

Improving AENA systems management

A centralized AODB results in major savings in systems and operations, concentrating personnnel and IT resources

AENA, a Spanish airport operator that manages a network of 48 airports and 200 million passengers, uses Airport Operation Databases (AODB), critical for efficiently managing modern airports. These are the brain for all operations, collecting all relevant data concerning airport resources and distributing these to other systems, FIDS, CUTE, BRS, BHS, as well as to external actors, ATC, airlines or Administrations.

AENA airports are very different, some are international, small and large, and with seasonal activity.

The solution required by all of them should be based on economies of scale and synergies of the network, concentrating the IT and management capabilities close to the more active airports. All of this without overlooking the full functionality of the AODB for each airport. This is the only way to give airport networks the maximum value.

Proposed solution

Centralized AODB

An AODB capable of providing support for the operations of several airports. It contains modules for programming, real-time resource management, billing, coordination and analysis

Indra developed a centralized AODB in a multi-airport version in operation at all of the network's main airports.

The system's core is split across two server groups at two different locations. This duplicity provides redundancy and ensures operations in the highly unlikely case of total collapse of either database.

Data collection, processing and distribution is done remotely, implying the use of a solid network and local intelligence, given that this data must be available both for remote deployment and for local activation, if required.

This AODB enables interconnection with other systems and increases the servers' stability and the workforce's availability.

The Indra AODB uses state-of-the-art technologies, like server virtualization and distribution, open code and thin clients. Simultaneously, it allows for unifying diverse interfaces with other systems into a single one.

This AODB offers AENA a more flexible solution, improving performance and quality while considering costs.

Benefits

Improved ICT management

Access to information is personalized for each user

  • Centralized ICT management
  • Shared infrastructure and staff
  • Reduction of local ICT hardware
  • Easily and quickly scalable
  • Avoids the duplicity of data across the network and the processes required for data management
  • Simplified procedures for software change management
  • Possibility for system operations at both global and local levels
  • Greater resistance in the face of contingencies
  • Reduction of operational and ownership costs
  • Standardization of processes for all airports in the network
  • Possibility of global network analysis
  • Operating costs are reduced by using the same system regardless of an airport's profile

Results

Cost savings of 20%

The centralized AODB generates the following savings:

  • 20% in set-up
  • 40% in maintenance
  • 50% in licenses
  • 10% in hardware
  • It is estimated that AENA saves a total of 20% of costs