Market Trends of Middle-East And Africa Smart Airport Industry
Security Systems to Dominate Market Share
The security systems segment is projected to dominate the intelligent airport industry. Security is paramount in the aviation industry, given the high-stakes nature of air travel. Smart airports heavily invest in cutting-edge security technologies to ensure the safety of passengers and assets. Technological advancements such as biometric authentication, video analytics, and AI-driven threat detection systems have revolutionized airport security.
Biometrics, for example, enhances authentication processes by using unique physical attributes like fingerprints and facial recognition. This not only bolsters security but also expedites passenger processing. Additionally, advanced surveillance and video analytics enable airports to monitor and respond to security threats in real-time. Machine learning algorithms can detect unusual behavior patterns and potential risks, improving safety.
The growth of air travel and the increasing complexity of threats make security systems indispensable. These technologies keep passengers safe and streamline operations by reducing false alarms and enhancing overall efficiency. For instance, DataDirect Networks was selected by Hamad International Airport in May 2023 to provide advanced data storage solutions to improve security measures. The DDN solutions were chosen due to their performance, scale, and cost-effectiveness combination. To meet both primary and secondary recordings of more than 100 Petabytes, DDN has implemented a high-performance EXAScaler 7990 system with IntelliFlash 6200 systems.
Saudi Arabia is Expected to Witness Significant Growth in the Middle East and African Smart Airport Market
Saudi Arabia witnessed a surge of 26% in air traffic and flight movements from airports in 2023; the country saw 403,000 flights by June 2023. The government has been investing in promoting tourism and attracting visitors, including the "Vision 2030" plan. As tourism and business travel increase, the demand for efficient, secure, and technologically advanced airport services rises. Saudi Arabia's strategic location as a central connecting hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a vital region for aviation. This naturally leads to a need for advanced airport technologies and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has undertaken an airport privatization program. This move is expected to increase the adoption of intelligent technologies in the country's airports.
In 2018, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation collaborated with SITA to modernize the country’s 26 airports by installing self-service-based procedures with kiosks, automated bag drops, and biometric single-token travel and payment systems. Also, in October 2023, the Saudi Government unveiled the master plan for the new Abha Airport, which would handle more than 90,000 flights annually and integrate 20 gates and 41 check-in counters, including seven new self-service check-in kiosks. Also, in November 2023, Saudi-based Innovative Contracts for Advanced Dimensions (ICAD) selected Collins Aerospace to deliver, deploy, and support services for airport and passenger processing systems for the Neom Bay Airport at Neom City. Such developments are expected to bolster the country's market prospects during the forecast period.
