ADR, VINCI, AMS, FRA, IST, DXB & more among FTE Airport Digital Transformation Power List EMEA 2025

A unique innovation culture and mindset has helped to establish Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – as one of the innovation leaders in the global airport industry. As Senior Vice President Transformation & Technology, Emanuele Calà is the driving force behind the ADR Innovation Hub at the heart of Fiumicino Airport’s Terminal 1. Here, ADR’s Innovation Cabin Crew – a team of 30 colleagues from different business units and subsidiaries – plays a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting startups, guiding them through development and testing, while simultaneously driving innovation within their own teams. Indeed, ADR’s Runway to the Future Acceleration program has attracted over 1,000 international startups in three years. The company has also launched ADR Ventures – an additional tool to help startups by financing the development of projects in areas with high innovation potential, operating from the Innovation Hub. This further illustrates ADR’s open innovation strategy. It is not only about providing finance, but also sharing know-how and skills to foster the development and growth of new companies and entrepreneurs to enhance digital transformation.

The pioneering ‘Airports for Innovation’ network is a perfect illustration of ADR’s collaborative approach to innovation. Composed of 10 leading airports worldwide: ADR, Aena, Dallas, Munich, Nice, Athens, Vancouver, Narita, Oman and Dubai, the network is designed to forge strategic alliances with airports globally, aiming to test and implement cutting-edge solutions across multiple hubs simultaneously. Additionally, the ADR Innovation Hub and Lufthansa Innovation Hub have established a partnership focused on joint innovation projects and sharing insights, best practices and technological knowledge.

Robotics and automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, and more are among the technologies that are a key focus for ADR as it continues developing its innovation culture.

Under the leadership of Anne Le Bour, Chief Communication & Innovation Officer, innovation forms a major part of VINCI Airports’ strategy to improve airport infrastructure and management throughout its network of 70+ airports in 14 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

VINCI Airports – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has three Centres of Excellence for Innovation: London Gatwick is an Innovation Centre of Excellence for airfield operations and sustainability, Lyon-Saint Exupéry is an Innovation Centre of Excellence for customer engagement and experience, and Lisbon Airport is an Innovation Centre of Excellence for smart terminal operations and technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are central to VINCI Airports’ innovation efforts, contributing to reshaping passenger experiences and optimising flow management, while reducing CO2 emissions. VINCI Airports is testing and implementing Generative AI (GenAI) to personalise services, improve efficiency, and reshape airport management. The AI approach is built on in-house tools and cooperation, as VINCI Airports aims to remain at the cutting-edge of customer experience. The Lyon Innovation Centre of Excellence will soon begin testing a virtual agent, using Agentic AI. For VINCI Airports, GenAI and Agentic AI are transforming customer experience by making interactions more seamless and immersive, enabling multilingual communication, personalised interactions and recommendations, and helping develop new customer-centric services. On the operational side, AI is enhancing real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and process automation, ensuring greater efficiency and fluidity in airport operations and passenger flow.

While a number of members of the VINCI Airports family, including the innovation team, have contributed to these projects, as VINCI Airports’ Chief Innovation Officer, Anne Le Bour is recognised on the Power List for her technology-focused leadership.

As Chief Information Officer, Lennert l’Amie plays a key role in furthering Schiphol Group’s Vision 2050, which looks “over the horizon” with three categories of innovation – Earth (incremental innovations), Moon (transformational innovations) and Mars (disruptive innovations). The emphasis is on “aiming for the Moon and Mars” with a central plan for fully autonomous airside operations by 2050. Among its latest developments, Schiphol – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – has partnered with KLM to deploy a new electric, self-driving baggage vehicle from Aurrigo International to help optimise the separation of passenger baggage with long transfer times.

Indeed, Schiphol strongly believes in collaboration across the aviation industry. Airports face similar challenges and can speed up innovation by learning from best practices across the sector. It is, therefore, bringing its most innovative airport solutions, with proven business value at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, to market via the Aviation Solutions division. As a key part of its collaborative innovation efforts, Schiphol is a first-mover in the pioneering FTE Smart Ramp program, which has the ultimate goal that aircraft turnaround can be achieved autonomously and more efficiently. It is also a member of BOOST – a groundbreaking initiative to transform the future of baggage handling through robotics and automation, which was launched by innovation consultancy nlmtd (Unlimited) in partnership with FTE via the Baggage Innovation Working Group.

As part of its innovation efforts, Schiphol is embracing cutting-edge tech including robotics and automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and the Internet of Things. It is, for example, utilising AI technologies to enhance airport operations, increase efficiency and improve passenger experience with Deep Turnaround, smart baggage handling, and much more.

Aena’s innovation and digital transformation strategy is based on using technology to improve current business and to develop new businesses. The operator, which manages a network of 46 airports in Spain, aims to be an international leader in the use of digital tools with the objective of optimising the passenger experience, increasing operational efficiency and developing new businesses around sustainable mobility.

The vision includes three strategic programmes:

• From passenger to customer: deploying technologies to simplify the passenger’s journey and make it a seamless process, with no waiting times and no contact. Achieving adequate knowledge of passengers to offer them an optimal experience.
• Efficient use of resources: automating airport management processes and developing towards as-a-service models.
• Beyond the airport: exploring new business areas related to sustainable mobility.

Among the technologies Aena is exploring to further enhance the traveller experience are robotics and automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Augmented and Virtual Reality, biometrics, and more. One example is the ‘Oli’ chatbot, which has had a profound impact on operational efficiency, customer experience and digital transformation by automating passenger interactions and information dissemination. ‘Oli’ embodies Aena’s digital transformation, using AI and automation for a modern experience. The chatbot has evolved from a standard discriminative model (searching for the best answer in the database) to one enriched with Large Language Models (LLMs).

Aena also takes a collaborative approach to innovation, both via the Aena Ventures startup accelerator programme and the ‘Airports for Innovation’ network. Aena Ventures recently held its second call for startups, receiving 514 proposals from 372 distinct startups across 40 countries globally.

As Director of Innovation, Sustainability & Client Experience, Amparo Brea Álvarez is recognised for her leadership in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, while promoting the company’s sustainability and climate change policies.

As Chief Information Officer, Wolfgang Standhaft is leading Fraport’s merger of IT, digitalisation and transformation. Fraport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is exploring myriad technologies as part of its digital transformation strategy. Indeed, there are more than 100 IT projects running at FRA simultaneously. These include cloud technologies, private 5G network, digital twin, Internet of Things, biometrics, robotics and automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and more.

Fraport is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation and running several projects under the umbrella of its AI@Fraport initiative. The overarching goal is to make Fraport fit for the future, while increasing the satisfaction of airlines and passengers and innovatively supporting employees. The airport operator is exploring Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), as well as special AI algorithms and solutions such as computer vision and reinforcement learning that it believes can generate a tremendous impact.

Meanwhile, besides typical AI solutions, Fraport is exploring cyber-autonomous systems in ground operations, and the potential of quantum computing. It is also notable for the biggest biometrics implementation in the world. From enrolment at a kiosk or counter, to pre-security automated gates and self-boarding gates, passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey by simply scanning their face. The implementation also plays a key part in paving the way for the rollout of biometrics across Star Alliance’s global network, as it endeavours to have more of its 25 member carriers using biometric technology progressively.

Fraport’s Digital Factory is key to its innovation efforts. The progressive approach of the Digital Factory is to identify market innovations early on and facilitate the implementation of compelling digital solutions. Indeed, it is partnering with various startups to launch pilot projects. Digital Factory as a process framework for digitalisation has a proven track record with 68 projects launched, 48 successful Minimum Viable Products (MVP) developed, and 32 projects accompanied into rollout.

As Chief Information Officer at Vienna Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – Susanne Ebm is firmly focused on making the best use of digitalisation and related innovations for customers and the business. Ebm is always on the lookout for new ideas, technologies and solutions that make meaningful improvements possible.

Vienna Airport is further enhancing its role as an “innovation hotspot for the digital travel world of the future”. Whether autonomous wheelchairs, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based photovoltaic inspection, autonomous cleaning robots or baggage check-in from home – numerous projects for more passenger comfort and less resource consumption are among the transformation efforts enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. The partnership with Plug and Play to enhance its digitalisation and innovation effectiveness is enabling Vienna Airport to “look into the future with a telescope” and identify further interesting future digital projects.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a foundational part of the digital transformation that is taking place in all industries and Vienna Airport is embracing the potential of IoT, with real-time data available from all over the premises enabling an accurate view of operations at all times. This opens up new opportunities in resource use and process control – and only with this data is it possible to fully leverage the use of AI.

Meanwhile, Vienna Airport is in the midst of developing its €420 million terminal expansion, which is scheduled for completion in 2027. The project includes an emphasis on digital innovation, with Digital Twin technology being utilised in its development.

As Chief Information Officer, Susanne Ebm is central to Vienna Airport’s efforts to enhance technological infrastructure and drive digital transformation to improve passenger experiences and streamline airport operations.

Dr Reha Çeti̇n is General Manager of IST Systems, which was established with the purpose of being the master systems integrator for the new Istanbul Airport and aims to operate smart building systems utilising next-generation technologies. Leading Istanbul Airport’s dedicated IT company, he is therefore effectively its CIO.

Istanbul Airport aims to be a pioneer of digital transformation and is utilising cutting-edge technologies to take its CX efforts to the next level and become the world’s most guest-centred hub airport. It has developed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered digital assistants called ‘Digital Companions’ specifically for differentiated needs. Meanwhile, positioning the latest technologies, such as Machine Learning and Virtual Reality, at the centre of its digital mindset has made it easier for travellers to access and receive information regardless of time and place.

Istanbul Airport is also deploying digital innovation to enhance accessibility, with its AI-powered ‘Accessible Companion’ available both on WhatsApp and via the airport’s mobile app. Importantly, this enables an independent travel experience for all passengers through the ‘My Route’ function.

Meanwhile, Istanbul Airport truly bridges digital and physical retail, with a strategy designed to provide a deep and detailed view of customer behaviour across all channels. The airport is utilising cutting-edge technology such as Augmented Reality to provide passengers with information about the retail outlets by accompanying them around the International Terminal shopping area. This allows users to see objects virtually and in 3D, providing an interactive real-world environment.

Technologies such as Big Data, biometrics and the Internet of Things are also being utilised to further enhance the passenger experience, as part of Istanbul Airport’s comprehensive efforts to be a pioneer of digital transformation.

As the UK’s biggest front door and only hub airport, Heathrow – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – continues to adopt cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive digital transformation efforts to enhance both operational efficiency and customer experience.

Head of Technology, Design & Innovation Steve Armitage is focused on digitalisation, intelligent automation (physical and virtual) and smart connected devices, which are set to transform every Heathrow stakeholders’ experience and business. The airport is using many advanced technologies, including robotics and automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and more to enhance its operations, improve customer experience, and increase efficiency. As part of these efforts, it has deployed robotics and autonomous vehicles for customer service, cleaning, baggage handling and more. The airport is also using traditional AI and Generative AI across various domains to improve overall efficiency, safety, and passenger experience, while also driving innovation in airport management. AI plays a key role in transforming the airport’s operations into a more seamless, automated, and responsive system.

IoT is a foundational part of the digital transformation that is taking place at Heathrow. The airport is using IoT in various innovative ways to enhance operational efficiency, improve the passenger experience, and ensure safety. IoT enables real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and automation across a wide range of Heathrow’s functions, including smart baggage tracking and management, real-time passenger movement tracking, connected digital information displays and wayfinding, and much more.

While a number of members of the Heathrow Airport team are contributing to its continuing digital transformation, as Head of Technology, Design & Innovation, Steve Armitage is playing a central role in leveraging advanced technologies to enhance passenger experience, improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and maintain high standards of security and safety.

As Dubai Airports’ Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer, Omar Binadai leads the transformation of technology solutions at the world’s busiest international airport – Dubai International (DXB). Dubai Airports has a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, with a focus on ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers across all touchpoints that includes significant investment in customer service excellence and a commitment to continually upgrading facilities and technology. Indeed, it is already testing tech that will eliminate the need to check-in, envisioning a scenario where travellers drop their bags, enjoy shopping or dining, and board their flight without any physical touchpoints.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key area of innovation, for example through the biometric-based fast-track passport control service that has been deployed at 122 smart gates. This forms a key contribution towards enhancing customer experience and efforts to make Dubai one of the smartest cities in the world. Dubai Airports believes AI holds the key to optimising airport operations and enhancing overall efficiency. It is also exploring disruptive, tech-driven solutions to transform baggage handling from tracking to delivery and more.

While the immediate focus is on continued digital transformation at DXB, plans are already well underway for significant expansion of the new airport, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), with the new mega-hub to be a true “airport of the future”. The $35 billion expansion plans for DWC are designed to redefine what it means to travel, with an innovative, digitally-focused approach to operational efficiency and CX. Indeed, the new terminal at DWC presents an opportunity for a completely new operating model, with cutting-edge tech including AI and more to redefine check-in, security and immigration procedures for faster and easier passenger flow.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is committed to innovation to improve both passenger experience and operational efficiency. These efforts include significant investment in the development and implementation of digital products. BER is leveraging a comprehensive combination of cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and much more. One example is the implementation of an intelligent, innovative system to optimise handling processes on the apron. The Digital Turnaround system uses live cameras and self-learning, AI-based software to analyse aircraft handling in real-time. BER is also exploring Generative AI (GenAI), with a fully automated call centre and digital assistant – ‘Melli’ – currently undergoing a live trial. If successful, BER plans to transition its entire call centre operations to this technology, including internal processes such as the IT helpdesk. BER believes GenAI will prove valuable for high-volume, repetitive, and non-safety-critical tasks, which once properly trained can provide consistent and reliable information at any time, regardless of volume, time of day, or complexity of enquiries. Indeed, ‘Melli’ is just the start of BER’s experimentation with GenAI as it finds ways to integrate this technology into existing processes and reshape how it handles data and information.

Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to provide a seamless, intuitive customer experience, the airport has launched BER Biometrics. This facilitates a contactless airport journey through Terminal 1 via facial recognition, as a key building block towards the smart airport of the future.

Together, the cutting-edge technologies deployed by BER are contributing to smoother airport operations, a better customer experience, and improved safety. The integration of robotics, AI, IoT and more, is helping Berlin Brandenburg Airport stay competitive and efficient in an increasingly tech-driven aviation industry.

A passionate technologist, Nick Woods leads digital transformation efforts across Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports in his role as Chief Information Officer of Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

The central strategy is to bring together people, process and technology to drive value across MAG – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – with the stated tech mission to create the world’s most intelligent airports. As part of these efforts, the Group is making significant investments in data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, among many other cutting-edge tech developments, with a focus on creating a more proactive approach to data.

MAG is doing some really exciting things around passenger flow tied to occupancy, comfort levels and spend, using new data science and AI models to optimise across these metrics. The Group has some really cool pieces of work taking place with Amazon Web Services around Generative AI to better engage passengers, as well as game-changing self-learning AI models for computer vision. It is clearly a super-exciting time right across MAG and the partnership approach similarly includes collaboration with Microsoft, Veovo, Copenhagen Optimization and many others.

Woods has also played a key role in the £1.3 billion Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP) – a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience. Central to this has been constant exploration of innovations and new technologies that can be applied to enhance the passenger journey.

In addition to his position as Chief Information Officer at MAG, Woods is a member of the ACI World Airport IT Standing Committee. Alongside delivering the mission to create the world’s most intelligent airports, he is therefore also recognised on the FTE Airport Digital Transformation Power List EMEA 2025 for his strong leadership role within the industry.

The digitisation and automation of processes in operational and commercial areas is a top priority at Munich Airport and Dr Jan-Henrik Andersson, Chief Commercial Officer & Chief Security Officer, is central to these efforts. Munich Airport is laser-focused on innovation and on supporting startups to help continuously enhance the passenger experience and align with its aim of being a premium innovation hub.

The use of robotics and automation at Munich Airport, for example, serves not only to improve operational efficiency, but also to enhance passenger experience. The introduction of the JEEVES service robot means travellers can now shop at a self-driving robot. Snackbot ‘JEEVES’ offers a selection of chilled soft drinks and snacks that can be purchased via various cashless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Munich Airport has a future-oriented cooperation with Fraunhofer IML – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group. Together, they are developing the unique BagBOT – a robot equipped with innovative gripping technology to support the remote-controlled loading and unloading of aircraft. The evoBOT is a further exciting project with Fraunhofer IML. The dynamically stable robot can take on a wide range of tasks such as handling hazardous goods, transporting parcels over long, recurring distances and relieving strain during lifting and overhead work. In addition to service robots that are visible to passengers, navigation aids, biometric systems, autonomous vehicles, and loading and lifting aids, Munich Airport sees a clear trend toward software robotics. The airport is also exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools can revolutionise areas such as travel retail, with dynamic offers and enhanced customer engagement.

Meanwhile, as part of its collaborative approach to innovation, Munich Airport is a member of the pioneering ‘Airports for Innovation’ network, which is designed to forge strategic alliances between airports globally, aiming to test and implement cutting-edge solutions across multiple hubs simultaneously.

As Chief Commercial Officer & Chief Security Officer, Dr Jan-Henrik Andersson is instrumental in shaping Munich Airport’s innovation-focused approach to key technology trends.