CASE STUDY
Sydney Airport Enhances Capacity and Efficiency with Copenhagen Optimization’s Better Airport software suite.
Sydney Airport
44 mill. passengers (2023)
98 Destinations
Client Overview: Sydney Airport (SYD).
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is a crucial transportation hub located in Australia’s most populous city. This airport annually facilitates travel for over 44 million passengers and maintains a robust network of direct flights to major cities worldwide. Its strategic location on Australia’s southeastern coast makes it Australia’s largest gateway for both international and domestic air travel, significantly contributing to its region’s economic and cultural connectivity.
Addressing Capacity and Efficiency Challenges at Sydney Airport in the Post-Pandemic Recovery
Before engaging with Copenhagen Optimization, Sydney Airport was grappling with several logistical hurdles, particularly in managing the rising passenger and flight volumes as the industry recovered from the COVID pandemic. The main challenges included:
- Capacity Constraints: With passenger numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels, the airport’s existing infrastructure, particularly check-in counters and gates, was under immense strain.
- Inefficient Resource Allocation: The reliance on static, Excel-based models for resource allocation was not only labour-intensive but also lacked the flexibility needed to adapt to variable flight schedules and passenger flows.
- Operational Rigidity: The static planning tools in use made it difficult to test multiple operational scenarios or make quick adjustments, resulting in suboptimal resource utilization and increased potential for passenger delays.
These operational bottlenecks highlighted a critical need for a more dynamic, scalable solution to accommodate growing traffic without compromising service quality.
Transforming Sydney Airport Operations: Implementing Better Check-In and Better Stand & Gate for Enhanced Efficiency and Flexibility
To address these challenges, Copenhagen Optimization introduced its software modules, Better Check-In and Better Stand & Gate, part of the Better Airport software suite for optimizing airport operations. The two software modules were initially implemented in Terminal 1 and Better Stand & Gate was later expanded across all terminals. The solutions offered included:
- Dynamic Allocation: The software modules replaced the manual, static methods with algorithms that dynamically allocate airport resources such as check-in desks and gates based on business rules, preferences and the expected passenger load on each flight (demand-driven allocation). This shift enabled the airport to maximize the use of its infrastructure, adapting to changing conditions with greater agility.
- Scenario Planning: The software provided powerful simulation capabilities, allowing airport planners to evaluate the impact of various operational strategies and make informed decisions quickly.
In addition to these solutions, Copenhagen Optimization also addressed a specific request from Sydney Airport regarding the optimization of their bussing operations—a critical component of remote gate and apron management. Copenhagen Optimization developed a customized solution to simulate and improve the bussing schedules and resource allocations. This solution allowed for:
- Enhanced Bussing Efficiency: The customized solution provided a clear framework for planning and optimizing bus allocations, considering factors like peak times, bus capacities, and route efficiencies.
- Adaptability of plans: By enabling the simulation of various operational scenarios, the model helped airport management adjust bussing resources in response to daily operational changes and staffing levels.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The new tool enabled discussions with the third-party bus operator by providing data-driven insights into operational demands and efficiencies, facilitating more informed negotiations and resource planning.
The implementation process was carefully managed through a phased approach, starting with a proof of concept that demonstrated the immediate benefits of the software, thereby securing buy-in for wider deployment across the airport’s operations. The strategic expansion of technology solutions at Sydney Airport showcases Copenhagen Optimization’s ability to adapt and respond to specific operational needs with tailored, effective tools.
Key Outcomes and Operational Improvements
The adoption of Copenhagen Optimization’s solutions yielded significant improvements in Sydney Airport’s operational efficiency:
- Enhanced Flexibility and Responsiveness: The new tools enabled the airport to be more responsive to changes in flight patterns, reducing the impact on operations and passenger experience.
- Better Resource Utilization: With improved planning tools, Sydney Airport was able to increase the utilization rate of its existing resources, delaying the need for costly infrastructure expansions.
- Operational Insights: The data-driven approach provided by the software gave the airport management deeper insights into operational bottlenecks and areas for improvement, supporting continuous optimization of processes.
These outcomes have enhanced Sydney Airport’s operational capabilities through easier work procedures and improved information sharing.
We look forward to hearing from you
We know that investing in and implementing new airport technology can result in a lot of questions. We will happily guide you through the process and answer all your questions.
To see if there is a fit, we offer an obligation free demo of our Better Airport software for you to experience it.
