Zurich Airport transforms operations for a data-driven future

Collaboration overview:

• Zurich Airport sets out to enhance operational performance and become Europe’s most integrative airport by 2030.

• The Airport Operations Plan web app, initially developed as an MVP in just four months, grows through continuous development and now empowers over 3,500 operational stakeholders at Zurich Airport.

• Partnership with Zühlke helps Zurich Airport improve operational efficiency, secure and strengthen the IT infrastructure, and stabilise mission critical applications. 

Enabling data-driven airport operations

We partnered with Zurich Airport on its digital transformation journey, addressing multiple critical areas, including data infrastructure, security, and application development.

Data platform development

The first priority of our collaboration was to develop a data platform and establish robust data governance practices. This involved more than just the technical implementation. Our joint team defined product ownership and implemented new, effective methodologies, seamlessly integrating expertise from data governance and security specialists.  

Leveraging our long-standing partnership with Microsoft and technical know-how, we successfully developed the Azure-based data platform, integrating various data sources to ensure usability. The platform now plays a critical role within the airport's overall architecture. We continue to work closely with the airport’s team to enhance the platform, introducing new data products to drive its evolution.

Given the diversity of end users, one of the key challenges was designing a system that would meet everyone’s needs. To address this, we collaborated directly with user groups, engaging them in the process of defining and refining solutions together. 

We implemented a continuous feedback loop to ensure alignment. For every new feature, we consulted with users to identify what was most valuable to them, created user stories, and relied on the user group feedback to fine-tune before finalising it. 

The result is a web app that integrates various data sources, including the Airport Operating System, SAMAX ground radar, weather information from MeteoSwiss, and EUROCONTROL Network Manager B2B Services. 

The app includes key features designed to enhance operational transparency and collaborative decision-making among airport teams, including:

• Flight list and flight dashboard
• Airport map
• Weather information
• Flight demand and capacity
• Event and resource planner

Following the MVP deployment, we continue to enhance the AOP app by adding new features and integrating more data sources to further optimise Zurich Airport’s operations. Additionally, we operate the application through our managed services, ensuring its reliability and performance as a critical part of the airport’s ecosystem.

Comprehensive support: integrating business and IT-driven innovation

In addition to the data platform and AOP development, our partnership with Zurich Airport extended into several critical areas:

• Stabilisation of mission-critical applications: the Airport Operating System, a standard third-party product essential for daily operations, was experiencing crashes during peak times, leading to outages of 10-15 minutes and halting operations. Our team analysed the causes of these failures and implemented a monitoring system to help detect and address issues proactively, ensuring continuous and reliable operations. We also provided recommendations to the software supplier on necessary improvements to stabilise the system and prevent future issues.
• Introduction of best practices: we also introduced agile methods, DevOps, and product ownership practices to Zurich Airport, streamlining software deployments and enhancing software delivery. These initiatives set the foundation for long-term success in data-driven operations.
• Strengthened security: we enhanced the security of sensitive data and IT infrastructure by conducting vulnerability tests on critical applications. This ensured the airport’s systems remained resilient, particularly amidst global geopolitical events that could threaten operations.
• Digital strategy review and Innovation Hub establishment: we worked closely with Zurich Airport to assess its existing digital strategy, evaluate its effectiveness, and identify opportunities for improvement. The analysis led to the conclusion that a dedicated Innovation Hub was needed, resulting in the establishment of the ZRH Innovation Hub. Additionally, our findings highlighted the critical role of digital initiatives in driving success, reinforcing the importance of the Information Steering Board. 

Our work on the AOP app also contributed to Zurich Airport being highly commended for the Digital Transformation Award by the Airports Council International Europe, recognising its innovative use of digitalisation to improve safety, capacity, efficiency, and environmental footprint of its airside operations.

Thanks to our partnership, Zurich Airport is one step closer to achieving its vision of becoming the most integrative airport system in Europe. The airport now benefits from deeper operational insights, enhanced security for its IT infrastructure, and more stable systems. 

We’re excited to continue working with Zurich Airport as it advances its digital transformation, driving further innovations and efficiencies that will set new standards in the aviation industry.