Digital transformation: An analysis of the current state within Europe’s top five digital airports

This paper showcases the current stage of implementation of various selected digital transformation initiatives at the top five European airports in this regard. Applying a recent theoretical framework (technology adoption framework for airports [TAFA]), the overall current level of technology adoption projects in various stages of implementation at these airports is analysed. The study’s approach is based on qualitative data which was collected through interviews with airport representatives and industry experts as well as from publicly available sources. The study shows that the targeted airports understand digital transformation as the process of enhancing their passenger experience and their cost base via improved service quality and operational efficiency. The findings reveal that Europe’s top five airports currently share the characteristics of Airport 3.0 and that they are progressively beginning solutions based on Industry 4.0 technologies. The outlook on current trial and pre-trial technologies shows a common trend of transformation towards Airport 4.0. There is, however, no common approach applied to this that would be coordinated either by ACI, ICAO or even IATA, leaving a patchwork of isolated technology solutions with widely divergent user experiences to be expected. In the nearer future, airports are likely to remain technological islands with no common approach to a seamless integration between them and, ideally, also between airlines and other transport providers to improve travellers’ physical and digital journey. The study can serve as a guideline for airport managers and will support their decision-making processes by providing information on the strategies taken by the top five European airports.