Frankfurt Airport is expanding its use of artificial intelligence to improve aircraft turnaround efficiency, in a partnership between airport operator Fraport, Lufthansa and its digital innovation subsidiary, zeroG.
“At Fraport, we are driving forward a wide range of AI solutions to optimise processes at our airports, reduce the workload of our employees, and increase the satisfaction of our passengers and customers,” said Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport AG. “The AI-supported turnaround is a perfect example of this.”
The solution, called “seer”, uses AI-powered computer vision models and camera systems to automatically detect and timestamp key ground operations–from aircraft docking and baggage loading to refuelling. This creates a centralised, real-time overview of the entire turnaround process.
Following a successful trial earlier this year, the system is now in place at five aircraft stands, with plans to scale to 20 by the end this year. A wider rollout across Frankfurt Airport is expected to follow.
The project brings together the infrastructure and process expertise of Fraport, the operational knowledge of Lufthansa, and the AI technology developed by zeroG. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing airport and airline systems, offering all partners access to the same real-time data.
“The increased transparency of the data gives our employees and partners a more accurate picture of the individual steps involved in aircraft handling, enabling them to adapt the subsequent work steps accordingly,” added Schulte. “This not only has a positive effect on the respective handling process, but also on the entire airport operation.”
By tracking each element of aircraft turnaround with precise timestamps, the partners aim to increase operational transparency, reduce delays and improve coordination between ground handling teams.
“Aircraft don't earn money by being on the ground–yet this is where the most complex processes take place under intense time pressure,” said Manuel van Esch, Managing Director of zeroG.“With the support of camera-based AI models, we make processes visible, analysable, and controllable–in real time.”
The collaboration is part of a wider strategy by all three partners to embed AI into critical airport operations and position Frankfurt Airport as a hub for digital innovation in aviation.
Image: zeroG/Fraport
