Lufthansa and Fraport AG have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving aircraft handling efficiency at Frankfurt Airport. This collaboration, alongside Lufthansa’s subsidiary zeroG, introduces an innovative AI-driven camera solution called “seer,” designed to enhance the turnaround process for aircraft, ensuring greater transparency, punctuality, and operational efficiency.
The primary goal of the project is to leverage real-time data to optimize the steps involved in aircraft handling, making it more streamlined and accurate. The system uses cameras to record every aspect of the handling process, from the docking of passenger boarding bridges to baggage loading and fueling at designated aircraft positions. The AI system behind “seer” automatically timestamps each stage, allowing for better tracking and management of the various operations. This not only increases the volume of available data but also improves its quality, which is centralized in a unified database, often referred to as the “single source of truth.”
The development of this AI-powered turnaround process follows a meticulous pilot phase that began in 2023. From February to May 2024, Lufthansa and Fraport tested the system at select aircraft parking positions within Frankfurt Airport, with the current implementation at five positions. The plan is to expand to 20 positions by the end of the third quarter of this year, with further deployment anticipated in the near future, covering all aircraft parking spots at the airport.
“Transparent ground processes enable us to further improve our punctuality and service quality. This benefits our guests in particular”, says Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines. “That is why we are working intensively on modernizing our operational processes with innovative technologies such as the AI-based ‘seer’ solution. When all partners at Frankfurt Airport use their handling data and exchange it among each other, we can become more efficient and even more punctual together.”
Lufthansa brings its vast operational expertise to the table, while Fraport contributes its in-depth airport knowledge. ZeroG, the core developer of the AI and computer vision technology, aligns the needs of both the airline and the airport, guaranteeing a seamless integration of the “seer” system into the current operational workflows. This technological advancement benefits not only Lufthansa and Fraport but all airlines and service providers operating at Frankfurt Airport.
“At Fraport, we are driving forward a wide range of AI solutions to optimize processes at our airports, reduce the workload of our employees, and increase the satisfaction of our passengers and customers“, says Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport AG. “The AI-supported turnaround is a perfect example of this. The increased transparency of the data gives our employees and partners a more accurate picture of the individual steps involved in aircraft handling, enabling them to adapt the subsequent work steps accordingly. This not only has a positive effect on the respective handling process, but also on the entire airport operation.“
“Aircraft don’t earn money by being on the ground – yet this is where the most complex processes take place under intense time pressure. This is exactly where our solution helps: with the support of camera-based AI models, we make processes visible, analyzable, and controllable – in real time,” explains Manuel van Esch, Managing Director of zeroG. “This not only brings greater transparency for airlines and airport operators but also improves punctuality and resource utilization.”
The partnership between Lufthansa, zeroG, and Fraport highlights the strength of strategic alliances in the aviation sector. Through their combined efforts, these companies are developing solutions that enhance operational efficiency at Frankfurt Airport while also establishing new global benchmarks for airport and aircraft management. The continuous innovation of this AI-based system ensures that Frankfurt Airport remains at the forefront of global aviation technology, with the potential to revolutionize airport operations worldwide.
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