Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Prague Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, is leading the charge in revolutionizing the traveler experience through cutting-edge innovation and digital transformation. The airport’s approach to modernization, sustainability, and workforce development is reshaping how passengers interact with one of the world’s most essential transportation infrastructures.

At the recent SAP Airport Innovation Summit in Brussels, Radek Nehoda, the executive director of asset and facilities management at Prague Airport, discussed the similarities between running an airport and conducting an orchestra. Both require precise timing, coordination, and a seamless collaboration of multiple moving parts to ensure everything runs smoothly. According to Nehoda, just as an orchestra performs flawlessly when every musician follows the conductor’s lead, an airport thrives when each part of the operation—from baggage handling to aircraft takeoff—is executed with precision.

Prague Airport serves as a vital economic engine for the Czech Republic, providing jobs, boosting tourism, and facilitating international business. With 18 million travelers passing through the airport each year, the demand for air travel continues to grow steadily. Despite challenges such as rising carbon costs and environmental concerns, Prague Airport remains a financially healthy business, generating approximately €380 million in revenue annually.

However, the airport’s success isn’t just measured in financials. Nehoda emphasized the importance of balancing business growth with sustainability. The airport’s non-aeronautical business, which includes retail, dining, and parking services, accounts for over 30% of its total revenue, providing a stable financial foundation while enhancing the overall passenger experience.

One of the most significant developments at Prague Airport is the ongoing shift toward digitalization. The airport has embarked on a mission to implement predictive maintenance within its strategic asset and renovation master plan. The goal is to move from reactive and preventive maintenance approaches to a proactive system that can predict issues before they arise.

With the help of SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) module, the airport’s facilities management team has already started tracking 68,000 pieces of equipment across eight departments. By standardizing operations and providing a comprehensive reporting tool for decision-making, Prague Airport has streamlined its facility management. This transformation includes equipping field workers with smartphones and a custom-built app called “Mobile Technician” to ensure real-time communication and quick response times for maintenance tasks.

Additionally, the airport has invested in sustainability projects, including the installation of photovoltaic panels to electrify the airport’s vehicle fleet. These innovations align with the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and ensuring the airport operates as a sustainable, future-proofed facility.

Despite the advances in technology, Nehoda highlighted a critical issue that affects airports worldwide: the aging workforce. With the average age of Prague Airport’s core team of facility managers being 53, the airport is working hard to pass on valuable knowledge to younger generations and attract new talent.

To address this, Prague Airport has partnered with local schools and universities to offer internships and direct hiring opportunities for students fresh out of high school or college. Nehoda explained that while young people may be attracted to glamorous careers they see on social media, airport jobs—such as airport electricians or technicians—are crucial to the overall travel experience. These roles, often hidden behind the scenes, are essential in keeping the airport running smoothly.

By engaging the younger generation and demonstrating the importance of these roles, Prague Airport is not only ensuring the continuity of its operations but also fostering a sense of pride in the workforce. The airport is making strides in changing perceptions, showing that every job, no matter how technical or operational, contributes to the overall travel experience.

As part of its commitment to enhancing traveler experience and ensuring safety, Prague Airport is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in crisis management. AI-powered systems could play a pivotal role in improving emergency response times, especially in situations that require immediate action. By incorporating AI into crisis management strategies, the airport aims to optimize response efforts and ensure passenger safety during any unforeseen incidents.

In the future, AI could also enhance other areas of airport operations, such as baggage handling, security checks, and personalized passenger services. Through machine learning algorithms, Prague Airport plans to predict bottlenecks, optimize crowd control, and deliver an even more seamless experience for travelers.

For travelers, these advancements at Prague Airport mean faster, more reliable service, and improved overall experiences. The transition to predictive maintenance ensures fewer disruptions, such as unexpected breakdowns or delays, while the use of AI systems can expedite security processes and reduce wait times. Additionally, the push for sustainability means travelers can enjoy a greener, more environmentally conscious travel experience.

Furthermore, the airport’s focus on workforce development translates into a well-trained, motivated staff dedicated to providing top-notch service. Passengers are more likely to interact with knowledgeable employees who are not only skilled in their respective roles but also passionate about their work.

For those traveling through Prague Airport, there are several tips to make the journey smoother:

As Prague Airport continues to modernize, its commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, and workforce development sets a new standard for airports worldwide. The efforts to improve passenger experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the airport’s environmental impact reflect a broader trend in the aviation industry toward more streamlined, sustainable, and technologically advanced travel hubs.

For travelers, these developments promise smoother, more efficient journeys. As Prague Airport evolves, it’s becoming a model for innovation in the aviation sector—showcasing how airports can lead in technology while maintaining a focus on customer experience. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, digitalization, and workforce development, Prague Airport is shaping the future of air travel, one step at a time.

In conclusion, Prague Airport’s innovative approach to aviation operations, backed by advanced technology and a forward-thinking strategy, is setting a new benchmark for airports worldwide. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, these changes will undoubtedly enhance the traveler experience, making airports safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable to navigate. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or connecting to other destinations, Prague Airport’s dedication to innovation will make your journey smoother and more sustainable.

«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»