GMR-led DIAL introduces AI-enabled airside operations management system - UTAM at Delhi Airport

New Delhi, March 03, 2025: GMR Airports Limited-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) today announced the launch of Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM), a revolutionary system designed to make airside operations safer, more efficient, and smoother for everyone involved.

Developed in-house by DIAL, with the help of service provider WAISL, UTAM is a state-of-the-art system that integrates real-time data from multiple sources across the airport, enabling operators to monitor aircraft movements, ground service equipment (GSE), and vehicle activity with unmatched precision.

UTAM brings together all stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, and airport authorities, onto a single collaborative platform, ensuring streamlined operations on the tarmac.

Leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and radar systems, UTAM allows airport teams to monitor and optimize operations in real time. This smart system constantly collects data, helping identify issues or delays and triggering alerts to prevent problems before they happen.

The implementation of UTAM is a significant leap forward in transforming airside operations. DIAL has established a centralized control room to monitor and manage all activities in real time, making the entire process more efficient and transparent. One of the standout features of UTAM is its ability to track all airside vehicles, such as baggage carts, fuel trucks, and maintenance vehicles, in real-time.

Key Features of UTAM

Operational Efficiency:

1. GSE’s In/Out Time in Geofence:

• By measuring the in/out times of GSE within a geofenced area, UTAM helps track service level compliance of ground handling agencies, sending alerts for any delays.

2. Mile View 10-40-70:

• UTAM provides a real-time view of aircraft movements within a 10, 40, and 70-mile radius, enhancing airside preparedness and efficiency.

3. Flight Hovering Monitoring:

• UTAM can track and monitor aircraft that are hovering in airspace. Potential causes of hovering by aircraft can be found with the help of Air Traffic Control (ATC).

4. On Block/Off Block Time Records:

• UTAM automatically captures crucial On Block/Off Block times for non-VDGS (Visual Docking Guidance System) parking stands, ensuring accurate billing and reporting.

5. Parking Stand Utilization:

• The system tracks whether parking stands are in use or idle, helping optimize space and resources on the airside.

6. Baggage Delivery Efficiency:

• By tracking baggage trolleys, UTAM ensures that the right number of trolleys are in use, optimizing baggage handling and improving overall efficiency.

7. Taxiway and Runway Management:

• UTAM tracks runway occupancy, taxiing time, and taxiway allocation, improving Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) and Airport Operations Control Center (APOC) efficiency.

Safety and Security:

1. Vehicle Speed Tracking:

• UTAM tracks the speed of all airside vehicles and issues alerts for any violations to ensure safety during aircraft turnarounds.

2. Vehicle Path Monitoring:

• The system ensures that Ground Support Equipment (GSE) stays on its designated path. Alerts are sent if there are any deviations, improving safety and efficiency.

3. Baggage Trolley Monitoring:

• UTAM monitors the time taken by baggage trolleys to move between BBA (Baggage Building Area) and BMA (Baggage Make-Up Area), triggering alerts in case of delays or deviations.

4. Airside Space Management:

• The system constantly monitors the airside space and notifies the team of any deviations, ensuring smooth and efficient use of the space.

5. Playback Feature:

• In the event of an incident, UTAM offers a playback feature that helps identify the vehicle involved in any improper movement, aiding in quick resolution.

Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, said, "We are excited to launch the Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM) system, as it represents our commitment to enhancing the airport experience for passengers and improving airside safety and efficiency. We are the first airport in India to implement this advanced solution. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and radar technology, UTAM will not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure a safer environment for passengers and airport staff. By applying AI and ML, we can predict and prevent delays, optimize turnarounds, and ensure smoother coordination between stakeholders like airlines, ground handlers, and security teams."

UTAM’s primary goal is to improve operational efficiency and enhance safety. The system ensures that vehicles follow safe speed limits, stay on their designated paths, and allow quick identification of delays or deviations. With real-time tracking and predictive capabilities, UTAM minimizes disruptions and optimizes the turnaround process, leading to reduced delays and improved passenger experience.

After completing a successful pilot with Akasa Airlines, testing the system’s capabilities, and fine-tuning it for full implementation, DIAL has launched it with Akasa Airlines. Other airlines will be onboarded in a phased manner over the next two to three months.

With UTAM, Delhi Airport is not just meeting the high standards of efficiency and safety but is also setting a new benchmark for airside operations in India and beyond.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY24 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2023, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 99.7 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 336.4 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2023, group revenue stood at €5,495 million and net income at €631 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in

For further details, please contact:

Subhendu Ray
Corporate Communications
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9971544011

Saurabh Singh
Corporate Communications
Email: saurabh.singh@gmrgroup.in
Phone: 7291977577