“Yearly spend on ICT is 7-10%”
Davesh Shukla, vice president and chief information officer, Delhi International Airport (DIAL) has carved out a niche in aviation sector since 1994. He is technologically adept at planning, program and project management, systems integration, operations, and building teams. He has spearheaded the project delivery and implementation of the new domestic terminal at DIAL.
Davesh Shukla was formerly the CIO of Hyderabad International Airport where he was responsible for design, implementation, and management of the IT systems and he was instrumental in designing the most complicated IT systems integration at an airport. Prior to this, he was the strategic advisor—it and project manager at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Investment Development and Operation Inc and head of information systems and telecommunications for 12 years at the London City Airport.
Speaking to VOICE&DATA, Davesh spoke about technological and communication systems which are enhancing the efficiency of DIAL. Excerpts—
DIAL was ranked as the 4th best airport in the world in the category of 25-40 MPPA airport by Airport Council International. What were the key ICT solutions that enabled DIAL to reach this milestone?
DIAL is one of the busiest air traffic hubs in Asia. Undoubtedly, digitization eases airport management, it facilitates efficient customer service, and helps to stay competitive. ICT enables us to handle increased traffic and check-in is much more quicker.
Technology facilitates us to provide right data to the right people at the right time by processing data electronically. Information screens provide up-to-date flight information such as where the gates are, check-in spots, or where they need to pick the baggage from. Information is integrated into a central integration server. This integration server collects all the data from various systems and processes data and updates it on flight information screen. Our service quality is enhanced due to the latest technology deployed as it reduces the check-in time. We have a well-equipped airport operational database and it helps passengers, staff, and other agencies. By logging on to the database, with certain permission, travelers could get information about the flight. Staff members get adequate information before it lands, they would know where to deliver fuel and to which aircraft before it arrives. Multiple agencies at the airport like concessionaires, retailers, and the government agencies can stay connected to the flight and be aware about its landing, parking time, and take off.
Our newly built terminal 3 is wellequipped with advanced technology to handle the air traffic efficiently. We have deployed state-of-the-art technology for check-in process and baggage retrieval at the new terminal. Common User Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) and an advanced 5 level in-line baggage handling system with explosive detection technology to ensure quicker processing and higher security. The framework at T3 integrates a full range of video surveil- lance backed by tamper proof video data analysis and active archiving capabilities linked to multiple alarm and access control systems.
What are the major technological challenges in the aviation industry?
Technology is advanced and much more faster. But our process hardly allows us to utilize the technology to the full extent. We need to streamline the process with proper discussions. Guidelines by the aviation industry were set many years back; and they need to re-look at the apt technologies which could be integrated into the sector.
How has convergence improved services at DIAL?
Convergence is quite helpful to end users. It is very ideal when they have a connecting flight. With respect to convergence, basically we have a common system approach. Convergence has facilitated baggage handling system/baggage recognition system. Our database system is a converged and common platform which allows to access information by every entity at the airport. And it saves cost for retailers and concessionaires in the long run.
What are the new technologies that you are planning to implement?
In a service-centric industry like DIAL we are planning to implement mobile applications. We intend to empower our huge staff by mobile devices so that they could have information at their fingertips and help them make better and quicker
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decisions, if needed. In recent years, mobile services are establishing themselves as a vital tool for airports to communicate both internally and externally with all customers, passengers, airlines, and concessionaires.
Security has always been a major CIO concern. What is your security strategy?
We are working with multiple agencies to ensure security in our systems. One vendor provide security to the external interface/network. It checks on who is entering into the internal network from an external organization. The other vendor provide security to the internal network. It ensures that there is no damage to the internal network.
What is your ICT budget?
I cannot disclose the ICT budget. However every year nearly 7-10% of our revenue goes towards technological upgradations and maintenance. Over the years this ICT spend has been increasing.
What are the ICT risks that bother you the most and how do you handle it?
Working with multi-vendors is one of the challenges. Getting the right IT manpower is also a risk. Therefore we outsource the work to the credible players.
What would you expect from the communications industry?
The industry ought to stick to the best industry standards. The ecosystem should consolidate knowledge from other airports across the world so that it could be deployed to enhance passenger experience and business efficiency.
malinin@cybermedia.co.in