Marubeni Corporation, the joint owner of Swissport Japan, has invested in Assaia and joined their Strategic Partner Community, a global network of aviation leaders, to bring Apron AI to Southeast Asia. This investment agreement will facilitate Marubeni in expanding the scope of its exclusive distribution rights for ApronAI to Southeast Asia, for the first time since obtaining these rights for the Japanese market in 2019.
ApronAI gives full visibility of the apron events for airports and ground handlers. By providing full insight into every turnaround. With increased visibility and alerts, ground handlers can optimize performance using its dedicated artificial intelligence to monitor real-time progress of ground handling events such as the connection of the passenger boarding bridge, loading of cargo, aircraft fuelling, and wing walkers.
This is achieved by utilising footage captured by surveillance cameras already on the apron and applying AI computer vision. Currently, much of the critical information involved in the processes of airport operations is controlled and held individually by the parties involved—namely airlines, ground handlers, operational staff, administrators, and control towers—which can lead to inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Keeping track of ground handling events requires collaboration and a transition from visual observation and communication via walkie-talkies to real-time, automated alerts. ApronAI can be integrated to satisfy diverse individual needs, providing real-time alerts, proven to increase efficiency and safety and free up employees’ time to focus on key activities.
“Marubeni’s investment in Assaia and their collaboration in the Strategic Partner Community is set to revolutionize ground handling across Southeast Asia.” said Max Diez, CEO of Assaia, “With the introduction of Apron AI, airports and ground handlers can expect enhanced operational processes, increased efficiency, and improved safety. This partnership signifies a significant step towards optimising turnaround optimisation and driving growth in the aviation industry in the region.”
“This investment is an important milestone for us.” comments Satoshi Takechi, General Manager of Marubeni’s Aviation, Space & Defense Department. “It not only strengthens our partnership with Assaia, but propels our airport business to expand in Southeast Asia, where we believe we can play a more vital role.”
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