From managing complex digital networks, to integrating automated systems, keeping ahead of cyber security threats, and dealing with the shortage of experienced personnel, the IT landscape in airports is difficult to navigate.
Modern IT is crucial to the success of airports to enhance both operational efficiency and passenger experience, however it has become increasingly challenging to manage.
CHALLENGES
As airlines and airports increasingly rely on digital systems for operations, ticketing, and passenger services, ensuring the security of these systems is paramount. Cyber security measures protect not only sensitive data like passenger information and financial transactions, but also critical operational systems that ensure the safety and reliability of air travel.
However, maintaining robust cyber security in the aviation industry is fraught with challenges. Rapid technological advancements often outpace the development of security measures, leaving systems vulnerable. Additionally, the interconnectedness of systems in the aviation industry can make it difficult to isolate and address potential threats. Finally, the industry is bound by regulatory complexities and cyber security standards.
Elevating cyber security for airports
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Advances in technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) present huge opportunities for the aviation industry to streamline operations, enhance safety, and improve customer experience, whilst other modern technology can increase IT efficiency, through seamless data management, effective communication, and robust cyber security.
However, the industry faces significant challenges in implementing these technologies. Data privacy concerns, the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades, the requirement of skilled personnel, and the potential risk of cyber threats are prominent hurdles.
AI and cyber security: the threats and opportunities
IT support plays a crucial role in the aviation industry, ensuring seamless operations and preventing costly downtime. It aids in maintaining critical systems like flight scheduling, ticketing, baggage handling, and air traffic control. Furthermore, IT support assists in safeguarding sensitive data and implementing cyber security measures.
However, the industry faces challenges such as managing complex IT infrastructure, dealing with outdated systems, and ensuring continuous network availability. Downtime can lead to significant financial losses, not to mention the potential safety risks and reputational damage. Therefore, effective IT support and strategies for avoiding downtime are vital for the industry's smooth functioning and overall success.
The growing importance of IT support
Read BlogData management is of paramount importance in the aviation industry. It provides valuable insights to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer service, and make informed business decisions. From flight data and passenger information to maintenance records and weather reports, the vast volume of data generated daily needs meticulous handling.
However, the industry faces significant challenges in managing such massive amounts of data. Ensuring data accuracy, maintaining security and privacy, integrating diverse data sets, and extracting actionable intelligence are all hurdles which must be overcome.
5 ways your business can make use of data and analytics
Many airports still rely on legacy IT systems, which pose a multitude of challenges that can significantly impede operational efficiency and innovation. These include:
- Integration difficulties: legacy systems often struggle to integrate with newer technologies, which can lead to data silos.
- Cyber security risks: older IT systems may not have the same level of security measures as modern ones, making them more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
- Maintenance and Compatibility Issues: Legacy systems often require specialised knowledge to maintain and operate. As the IT industry evolves, it can be challenging to find professionals who are familiar with outdated technologies.
- Limited scalability: legacy systems often cannot scale in response to demand, which can lead to performance issues and system crashes during peak times.
- Hindrance to innovation: legacy systems can limit an airport's ability to implement new features or services that could improve customer experience or operational efficiency.
Upgrading to modern systems can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and provide scalability. It can also support secure real-time collaboration and hybrid working models, which are increasingly important in today's digital and interconnected world, however knowing where to start is not always simple.
From legacy systems to innovation: IT Serivces tailored for airports
Cyber security measures protect not only sensitive data like passenger information and financial transactions, but also critical operational systems that ensure the safety and reliability of air travel. However, maintaining robust cyber security in the aviation industry is fraught with challenges.
OneAdvanced Cyber Security Services can provide stronger security through our proactive threat intelligence, dedicated teams of experienced security professionals and our ‘everything’s covered’ approach to keeping your people and data safe. We can give you that piece of mind that your environment is secure, whilst reducing the risk of a breach which can cause unrecoverable reputational and financial damage.
Modern workplace technologies are transforming the aviation industry, propelling it into a new era of efficiency and connectivity. They enable real-time data analysis for predictive maintenance, optimisation for efficiency, and provide seamless communication channels for global teams.
Our Modern Workplace services will enable you to digitally accelerate your workplace and make the most out of your technology. Combining class-leading collaboration, performance and productivity tools from Microsoft with the experience and support of our specialists will provide you with a secure and collaborative environment that empowers your workforce. We can ensure productivity never dips whilst you can focus on strategic priorities.
Cloud technology has the potential to play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving passenger experience. It provides scalability and flexibility, allowing you to adjust IT resources based on demand, and supports real-time data sharing for improved decision-making. It also enables you to take advantage of AI tools to drive innovation, and supports hybrid and remote working.
We recognise that organisations are at different stages in their cloud journey, and we advise, assist, secure and operate wherever you may be. Our range of public, private and hybrid services enable us to provide you with the support you need to fully leverage the power of the cloud and drive your business forward.
We understand the critical need for airports to maintain robust systems and support, ensuring uninterrupted operations while enhancing services. We're dedicated not just to keeping your systems airborne, but also propelling you forward, with delivery models that intentionally accommodate innovation. Our wide range of services can meet your needs from cockpit to control tower, helping you navigate the complexities of the aviation industry.
We are able to support individual applications through to your entire infrastructure environment, creating a tailored solution to suit your business. By adopting our managed services, airports can streamline their IT operations and focus on their core competencies, while also improving security, compliance, costs, and overall business performance.
— Nirupa Wikramanayake, Group CIO
Irwin Mitchell
by OneAdvanced PR, Author
