Unlocking the power of digital twins in airports

Airports promise the perfect opportunity to leverage the power of a digital twin. With their inherent operational complexity, a digital replica of an airport has the potential to unlock tremendous value by optimising and maximising operational efficiencies. The challenge, however, is not whether this opportunity exists but how to effectively unlock it, says Ben May, AECOM’s Digital Leader for Buildings + Places in Australia and New Zealand.

Airports across the world have already begun their journey towards establishing digital twins – many without even realising it. Spatial data development and data management practices are the foundation of fully realised digital twins, and airports have invested in GIS and BIM platforms for decades. Across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, digital ways of working are becoming critical in creating and testing designs. AEC professionals regularly create digital replicas to virtually test their designs before initiating on-site construction, a vital practice within the confines of brownfield environments. This approach enhances safety, program efficiency, and budget management, and reduces operator risks, and is increasingly seen as an essential component of the AEC industry.

However, digital practices can taper off as we progress through the design and construction phases, particularly when the AEC teams no longer find immediate benefits. This creates a downfall for airport operators when transitioning into the handover phase. The digital replica, once indispensable for design planning, may not be consistently maintained throughout the construction, commissioning, and handover phases.

Through AECOM’s extensive global airport experience, we have observed many clients face these challenges with producing and maintaining digital twins. Each client presents unique requirements shaped by their existing progress and capital works program. Considering these specific requirements is crucial to enabling high-quality deliverables. We explore five key steps to ensure successful airport digital twin implementation.

1) Commit to the implementation strategy

Choosing a front-loaded, strategic approach to developing clear and consistent information requirements may take more time initially, but it promises superior long-term results. This approach is particularly beneficial for clients with a gradual increase in capital works projects and an engaged internal stakeholder team. Alternatively, an agile project-based approach offers quicker results by evolving information requirements through specific projects, allowing for more rapid adjustments and, crucially, the involvement of all relevant parties in defining requirements.

2) Elevate existing success

Often, we tend to focus on our shortcomings on the path to developing a digital twin. However, it’s equally important to highlight and support the outstanding accomplishments already taking place within our organisation. These successes are frequently driven by teams or individuals who work without a well-defined strategy. Recognising and supporting these contributors is vital for accelerating overall progress.

3) Set realistic goals and objectives

Start by identifying well-defined use cases and prioritise them based on the potential benefits compared to the effort required for implementation. This approach enables clear communication of the strategy to stakeholders, which is essential for effectively managing the necessary change.

4) Allocate resources for new roles

The transition to new deliverables will require additional support for the client team and the parties involved in providing the required data. A well-structured strategy should ensure that any additional resource investment pays off by reducing the duplication of information handling. Proper resourcing is especially critical in the initial stages to set projects up for success and ensure the delivery of required data upon completion.

5) Adapt the strategy

Recognise that the transition won’t happen overnight, and technology is continually evolving. Consequently, information requirements will also evolve over time to keep pace. Regular feedback from the entire stakeholder team and the providing parties is key to unlocking future opportunities. The critical task is continually monitoring and updating the strategy to reflect these changing needs.

Realising the Benefits

As Airport operators return to record levels of passengers, and significant capital works projects are once again in full swing, there has never been a more opportune moment to review your digital twin strategy. It’s the ideal time to ensure that you are harnessing the benefits of digital ways of working and maximising the potential of the data. The data generated today will form the foundation of how we operate and optimise these facilities into the future. It’s crucial for airports to seize the opportunity now to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape and enhance their operational efficiency for years to come.