Delhi airport introduces UTAM system to enhance airside operations

In a bid to optimise airside operations, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has launched the Unified Total Airside Management (UTAM) system, which aims to reduce delays, improve turnaround times, and monitor airside vehicle speeds to prevent violations.

The UTAM system utilises advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and radar systems, to collect and analyse data. It helps identify potential issues, triggers alerts to preempt delays, and enhances overall efficiency, according to a statement by DIAL.

A centralised control room has been set up to monitor all airside activities in real-time, tracking the movement of key vehicles such as baggage carts, fuel trucks, and maintenance vehicles. Airside operations encompass aircraft-related activities, including landing, take-off, parking, and refuelling, and involve multiple stakeholders, including ground handling service providers.

DIAL stated that the UTAM system will provide a real-time view of aircraft movements within a 10, 40, and 70-mile radius, while also tracking aircraft hovering in the airspace. It will monitor critical parameters such as runway occupancy, taxiing time, taxiway allocation, and the utilization of parking stands and baggage trolleys. The system is expected to enhance collaborative decision-making and streamline the airport’s operations control centre.

In addition to improving efficiency, UTAM will enforce speed limits for airside vehicles and ensure that Ground Support Equipment (GSE) follows designated paths. Any violations will prompt immediate alerts.

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“UTAM will not only enhance operational efficiency but also create a safer environment for passengers and airport staff. By integrating AI and ML, we can predict and prevent delays, optimize turnarounds, and ensure seamless coordination between airlines, ground handlers, and security teams,” said DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar.

DIAL has completed the UTAM pilot project in collaboration with Akasa Airlines and plans to onboard other airlines in a phased manner over the next two to three months.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), managed by DIAL, is India’s busiest airport, handling approximately 1,300 flight movements daily.

(With inputs from PTI)