Airports are incredibly complex ecosystems with huge amounts of data generated every second, every day, all year round. From flights, passengers, and baggage to ground operations, weather forecasting, and security lanes, everything is a data point capable of being leveraged.
The future of aviation operations lies in the ability to gather this data and leverage it for efficient resource planning. As airports face rising passenger volumes, operational constraints, and growing pressure to optimize performance, data analytics becomes an essential part of the business.
At Copenhagen Optimization, we want to help you achieve just that. That’s why we’ve developed Better Airport – the world’s leading connected operations platform for airport operators.
In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of aviation analytics – what it is, why it matters, and how you can begin leveraging data to optimize operations.
What is aviation data analytics?
Aviation data analytics refers to the process of collecting and analyzing vast and diverse datasets from across the entire aviation ecosystem – i.e., everything from check-ins, baggage, and security to terminal layout, processing times, and arrival patterns – to name just a few.
Everything, and we mean everything, can be treated as a data point – and everything will be assessed and evaluated.
When data is vast, patterns will emerge. When patterns are identified, optimizations can be implemented. Once the flow of data is set up correctly, we can begin experimenting with different optimizations.
Did optimization A result in shorter queue times? Did optimization B create a smoother check-in flow?
That’s the core idea of aviation data analytics.
Collecting and analyzing all this data is where the real magic happens. However, creating the correct setup that allows this magic to happen can be a significant challenge.
That’s why we’ve created the airport management software solution Better Airport. We connect the dots for you and ensure you have a single source of truth regarding your data.
Book a demo and test out the capabilities – and get ready for takeoff.
How valuable is data in airport operations?
Incredibly valuable. Correctly leveraging the available data in your airport is akin to having an aircraft designed correctly in terms of aerodynamics.
The surrounding elements are the same for all airplanes – namely, the wind conditions.
However, the ability to pass through the wind depends almost entirely on the aerodynamic design of the plane.
The same is true for airport operations, as the surrounding elements here, by and large, are much the same – planes arrive and depart, passengers enter queues and drop off baggage, gates open and close, and so on.
However, the ability to operate the airport effectively depends almost entirely on your internal processes. And this is where aviation data analytics can set you apart from the competition.
Your data analyses are your aerodynamics. Your profit margins are your ability to cut through the wind and arrive faster and more reliably at the target destination.
So, to return to the initial question: How valuable is data in airport operations?
Incredibly valuable.
And now the question becomes: Are you flying blind in a suboptimally designed airplane?
Or are you leveraging science to design the most optimal version of your operation?
Take control of your airport operations with our analytics software Better Airport – book a demo.
Examples of insights you’re missing out on
If you’re not currently investing in aviation data analytics, you’re potentially missing out on valuable data insights. Insights that will allow you to better understand your operations, your customers, and, ultimately, what levers to pull in order to maximize efficiency and profitability.
As airports operate under tight capacity and infrastructure constraints, managing fluctuating passenger demand, coordinating with airlines, and ensuring smooth day-of-operations execution become daily challenges. Aviation data analytics supports:
- Accurate forecasting: Historical and real-time data enables better forecasting of passenger loads, security demand, and baggage volumes.
- Resource optimization: Staffing, check-in counters, and security lanes can be planned more effectively, reducing bottlenecks and unnecessary costs.
- Operational agility: Real-time analytics allow for rapid re-planning during disruptions—from flight delays to weather events.
- Improved collaboration: Data transparency across airport stakeholders (airlines, ground handlers, security) leads to better coordination and fewer surprises.
Explore the improved operational flow by clicking on the individual areas below.
Solve business-critical issues before they happen
Traditionally, many airports have operated reactively, responding to issues as they arise. Aviation data analytics shifts the paradigm to proactive operations. With tools like Better Forecast, airport analysts and planners can simulate different scenarios, spot trends before they escalate, and make decisions based on predictive models.
This proactive mindset helps reduce queue times, lower operational costs, and ultimately deliver a better experience for passengers and staff alike.
For example, one of our clients – Copenhagen Airport – used data analytics to optimize their check-in processes. Using data, we quickly identified a range of areas that could be improved.
The result? A 26% reduction in the amount of check-in counters.
Another example is our collaboration with London Luton Airport. Using data, we successfully reduced the amount of time spent on passenger forecasting by a staggering 89%.
Furthermore, since our platform is programmed to be self-correcting, accuracy is also constantly improving.
Take advantage of your data and push the envelope of your airport operations
At Copenhagen Optimization, we specialize in helping airports utilize their data. Our solutions are designed by airport experts, for airport experts, ensuring that every recommendation is operationally feasible and impactful.
Whether you’re looking to optimize your terminal layout, refine your resource planning, or gain better control over day-of-operations performance, aviation data analytics is fundamental.
Would you like to learn more about the benefits of connecting your operations with Better Airport? Book a free demo below, or contact us at contact@copenhagenoptimization.com to learn more about how Better Airport can take your airport into the future.
