BA-AC · Project

AI-Powered Airport Planning Tool That Saves Airports €10M Per Year

transportMarket-readyTRL 9

Imagine trying to run an airport where every gate, every baggage belt, and every security lane has to be perfectly timed — and passenger numbers keep growing. This project built a cloud-based planning tool that uses AI and advanced math to figure out the best way to allocate aircraft parking spots, manage passenger flow, and coordinate everything from check-in to boarding. Think of it as a smart scheduling brain for the entire airport, accessible to everyone who needs it from any device. The company piloted it at three major airports and designed it to save each airport at least €10 million a year by squeezing more efficiency out of existing infrastructure instead of building expensive new stands.

By the numbers

€10m/year

Minimum annual savings per airport from optimized operations

40%

EU airports unable to meet projected passenger demand

€5m–€15m

Cost of building a single new aircraft stand

15%

Expected increase in passenger air travel demand by 2025

575

Total addressable market of airports

Major airports used for large-scale piloting

Target client airports within 5 years post-project

€20m

Projected annual recurring revenue at scale

The business problem

What needed solving

Airports are squeezed between surging passenger numbers — expected to grow 15% — and the massive cost of expanding infrastructure, with each new aircraft stand running €5m to €15m. At the same time, 40% of EU airports simply cannot meet projected demand with their current capacity. Airport operators need a way to get more out of their existing infrastructure without pouring millions into concrete and steel.

The solution

What was built

Better Airport® — a cloud-based AI platform that optimizes the entire airport operations chain from passenger check-in and security through baggage handling to aircraft stand allocation. The BA-AC project specifically matured and integrated the "Better Aircraft" module into the broader platform and conducted large-scale piloting at 3 major airports, advancing the product from TRL 7 to TRL 9.

Audience

Who needs this

Airport operators facing capacity constraints at medium and large airportsGround handling companies coordinating turnaround operationsAirport authorities planning infrastructure investmentsAviation consultancies advising airports on efficiency improvementsAirport technology integrators building smart airport ecosystems

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Airport Operations

enterprise

Target: Medium to large airport operators struggling with capacity constraints

If you are an airport operator dealing with growing passenger demand but limited gate and stand capacity — this project developed Better Airport®, a cloud-based AI tool that optimizes aircraft allocation and operations planning across your entire airport. With new aircraft stands costing between €5m and €15m each, the tool helps you avoid costly infrastructure expansion by making better use of what you already have, targeting savings of at least €10m per year.

Aviation Ground Handling

mid-size

Target: Ground handling companies managing turnaround operations at busy airports

If you are a ground handling company trying to coordinate baggage, fueling, and turnaround operations across dozens of stands — this project built a cloud platform that gives all airport partners real-time access to optimized operational plans. With 40% of EU airports expected to face capacity shortfalls, ground handlers need better coordination tools. Better Airport® covers the full chain from check-in through baggage handling to aircraft allocation.

Aviation Technology & Consulting

any

Target: Airport technology integrators and consultancy firms

If you are an aviation technology provider looking to offer advanced planning capabilities to your airport clients — this project created a market-ready, cloud-based operations planning platform built on years of airport consultancy experience. With a total addressable market of 575 airports and the product advanced to TRL 9, this represents a proven solution ready for integration into existing airport IT ecosystems through partnership or resale agreements.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this solution actually cost an airport to implement?

Specific pricing is not disclosed in the project data. However, the company targets annual recurring revenue of €20m from 89 airports post-scale, which suggests a per-airport subscription in the range of €200k-€250k/year. Given that the tool promises savings of at least €10m/year per airport, the ROI would be substantial.

Has this been tested at real airports or is it still theoretical?

This is well beyond theoretical. The project specifically funded large-scale piloting at 3 major airports, advancing the product from TRL 7 (validated prototype) to TRL 9 (market-ready). The company, Copenhagen Optimization, built the tool on years of hands-on airport consultancy experience.

Who owns the technology and can I license it?

The technology is owned by Copenhagen Optimization APS, a Danish SME that was the sole partner in this project. Better Airport® is their commercial product. Access would be through a direct commercial agreement with the company, likely as a cloud subscription service.

How quickly can an airport see results after implementing this?

The project ran for 24 months (October 2019 to September 2021) including technology maturation and piloting. Based on available project data, the cloud-based delivery model means deployment should be faster than traditional on-premise installations, though specific implementation timelines are not stated.

Does this integrate with existing airport management systems?

The tool is designed as a cloud-based platform that connects all airport partners through one system. The objective specifically mentions connecting airports with each other and allowing all parties to access information wherever and whenever needed. Based on available project data, the platform covers check-in, security, border control, baggage handling, and aircraft allocation.

What is the competitive advantage over other airport planning tools?

Better Airport® is described as the first cloud-based, complete airport operations planning solution. Unlike point solutions that address only one part of airport operations, it covers the entire value chain from passenger check-in through to aircraft stand allocation. The AI-driven optimization is built on advanced mathematical models developed through years of direct consultancy work.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a single-company project by Copenhagen Optimization APS, a Danish SME that received SME Instrument Phase 2 funding — one of the EU's most competitive grants for high-growth startups. The 100% industry consortium with zero academic partners signals this is a commercially driven venture, not a research exercise. The company already had a validated prototype (TRL 7) and years of airport consultancy experience before the project began. For a business buyer, this means you are dealing with a focused commercial vendor, not a university lab trying to spin out technology.

How to reach the team

Copenhagen Optimization APS is a Danish company — their commercial team can be reached through their website at copenhagenoptimization.com

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Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the Better Airport® team? SciTransfer can arrange a direct meeting with Copenhagen Optimization to discuss your airport's specific operational challenges and potential cost savings.

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