On Block / Off Block - hosted by our CEO, [George Richardson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-richardson-a7520615a/) - is our podcast about working in and with airports.

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Our fifth episode was recorded live at the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport as part of our team celebration marking our successful Series A fundraise. In it, George, his co-founder Ian Forde-Smith and Paul Secker, Liz Christo from Stage 2 Capital, and Chris Smith from Playfair Capital discuss AeroCloud's journey so far.

The podcast is available on most platforms, including [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-block-off-block/id1581968113) and [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/5b7PiXHek6FypzYIafb4Y5).

On Block Off Block LIVE: episode five 

Our latest blog by our CTO, Ian Ford Smith, shines a light on why data is key and four ways in which it can be effectively used to improve the customer experience...

When COVID restrictions ended last year, air travel was finally able to start getting back on track. And, for the first time since 2020, the UN Aviation Agency recently reported that air passenger demand would recover to pre-pandemic levels later this year. 

Although positive, the industry continues to face issues – from staff shortages to operating under tighter budgets. So, the pressure will be on airports to cope with this influx and protect the customer experience while navigating these existing challenges. 

A major area airports will need to get right is ensuring that passenger flow through the airport is frictionless – from check-in and bag drop to passing through security and departure halls and boarding. Essentially, the full journey from kerb to gate. And if one falls, then it’s quite literally a domino effect that can lead to long queues, delayed flights and disgruntled passengers. 

So, what can airports do to set themselves up for success as air travel demand increases? 

**Data, data and more data** 

The answer to seamless operations and a frictionless passenger journey is data. And lots of it. 

Small to mid-sized airports often use manual processes to monitor vital information, such as passenger queue data, flow patterns, and the time it takes for an individual to move from zone to zone. 

This is resource heavy, slow to conduct, and can deliver inaccurate information to the airport operation and management systems. For instance, it can skew predictions and planning decisions on resourcing needs. Manual processes also don’t give a centralised, real-time view of what’s happening across the airport, which means decision-making is made in a silo and doesn’t necessarily deliver the optimum outcome. 

However, airports can now use technologies to automate this process, tapping into computer vision to intelligently and anonymously accurately track passengers as they journey through the airport while being compliant with local privacy legislation, such as GDPR. When this data is combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), airports can spot trends, draw learnings, and predict future scenarios to inform more accurate decision-making. 

**How data can improve airport operations and experience**

So, we know that having data is good, but what does this mean in practice? Here are four ways that airports can use data effectively: 

Firstly, improved operational decisions: With real-time data, staff can be alerted to the unexpected and fix operational bottlenecks quicker and more effectively. For example, they’ll be notified when travellers have been standing, waiting at a check-in desk for over 20 minutes, which may mean they need to decide to open additional desks to fix the backlog immediately. 

Secondly, better resource planning: By combining data insights with AI and ML, airports can maximise resourcing by redistributing employees based on operational needs. So, suppose they know that every Friday afternoon, departure halls are extremely busy between 2 pm to 4 pm. In that case, they may consider adding extra maintenance checks on the bathroom facilities or regularly emptying the bins.

Thirdly, frictionless passenger experience: Having the correct number of staff on duty according to passenger demand helps to deliver a better experience for travellers, such as limiting the likelihood of queues and ensuring facilities are up to standard. For passengers with access to a few different local airports, a good experience will also help nurture loyalty and encourage them to return to fly from your airport when their travel plans allow.

And fourthly, maximise concession revenues: For UK and European airports in particular, getting passengers through security and into departure halls to spend is a key source of revenue. Data on passenger movements will provide more commercial value to concessions partners like Duty-Free, retailers and hospitality providers as they can use insights to maximise spending. For example, if there is an influx of passengers at a certain time of day, they could consider running promotions or setting up a pop-up to entice sales. From an airport perspective, it also helps when considering layout changes, such as moving a seating area if it stops travellers from walking past shops.

**It’s crunch time for airports’ innovation**

It’s an exciting time for the industry as travel finally has started looking like it’s ‘getting back to normal’. However, the game is different to what it was before March 2020, with tightened budgets and staff shortages just two of the many challenges airports have to navigate. Those who weren’t previously investigating new technologies like computer vision, AI and ML – and the data and insights they deliver – will undoubtedly say they can’t survive without them this year.

My advice? Get on the front foot now and use technology to drive better operations, frictionless passenger experiences and, ultimately, healthier bottom lines.

Four ways that data bolsters airport operations and traveller experiences

<a href="https://www.aerocloudsystems.com/" target="_blank">AeroCloud</a> has launched its latest new product - AeroCloud Optic. This follows successful trials at <a href="https://www.liverpoolairport.com/" target="_blank">Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)</a> and <a href="https://flysrq.com/" target="_blank">Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)</a> in Florida.

Announced at Passenger Terminal Expo 2023, AeroCloud Optic is the first solution to effectively solve the decades-old issue of how to gain an accurate understanding of how passengers move through an airport, from kerb to gate. 

As the  <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133347/" target="_blank">UN Aviation Agency</a> predicts air travel to resume to pre-pandemic levels this year, airports need to ensure a frictionless flow of passengers at every stage of their journey, from kerb to gate.

AeroCloud Optic uses computer vision to intelligently, anonymously and accurately track passengers as they move through an airport. The real-time monitoring of passenger flow means alerts are triggered in response to operational bottlenecks, such as extended wait times at check-in or security, which can be immediately addressed with additional resources.

AeroCloud’s artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms also allow airport staff to identify trends, draw learnings, and predict future scenarios to inform more accurate decision-making and long-term planning. This enables better resource management and enhanced retail opportunities for concession partners, improving the airport's passenger experience.

George Richardson, co-founder and CEO of AeroCloud, explains:

<q>With AeroCloud Optic, airports can resolve operational issues in real-time and plan better for the future in a revolutionary way. Optic accurately predicts the future flow of travellers so leaders can make confident decisions on everything from resource allocation to commercial opportunities. When airports need to improve the bottom line, AeroCloud Optic can help airport operations teams streamline the check-in and security experience to get people through to retail areas faster, reducing passengers’ queue time and encouraging spending in a GDPR conformant way. AeroCloud Optic was recently described as the "holy grail" of continuous improvement, and I am incredibly proud of my co-founder and team for bringing this technology to fruition.</q>

**AeroCloud Optic in operation**

<p>AeroCloud Optic has been trialled in UK and US airports. At LPL, the solution has been used to better understand movement in the building – identifying peaks and bottlenecks and where queues are likely to be – flattening any planning curves and increasing efficiency.</p>

Paul Staples, Operations Director at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, comments:

<q>Our slogan is ‘faster, easier and friendlier’, which means getting our customers through to the departure lounge as quickly as possible through efficient operations. Historically, we’ve used other systems and manual methods like queue counting to track how individuals travel through our airport, but this didn’t deliver what we needed. With AeroCloud Optic, we now have accurate information that allows us to plan more effectively at an operational level while also helping to inform decision-
making for marketing and spend per head in retail and concession environments. We’ve never been able to do this in the past – it is the holy grail of commercial activity in an airport.</q>

**Industry-first innovation**

<p>Though airports have trialled technologies, including Bluetooth and WiFi, to solve this sector issue, AeroCloud Optic is the first technology capable of anonymously tracking passengers through the entire process – from arrival to security and departure halls to boarding an aircraft.</p>

Ian Forde-Smith, co-founder and CTO of AeroCloud, explains:

<q>Understanding passengers' journey from kerb to gate is a challenge that airports have been grappling with for years, and no solution till now has been able to offer them this level of passenger insight without compromising privacy. Working in partnership with our customers to develop AeroCloud Optic has enabled us to overcome this challenge with a real-time SaaS solution that replaces the resource-heavy, slow, and often inaccurate assumptions that were previously informing operational decisions.</q>

**The next stage in AeroCloud's growth story**

<p>The launch of AeroCloud Optic follows AeroCloud’s recent $12.6 million Series A funding round, led by US fund Stage 2 Capital with participation from I2BF Global Ventures, Triple Point Ventures, Praetura Venture, Starburst Ventures and existing investors Playfair Capital and Haatch. The funding will enable AeroCloud to scale up, with plans to double its team of 40 by the end of the year across its HQ in Macclesfield and its offices in London and Florida. This will help it reach its target of over 100 customers by 2023 and deliver innovative new product launches based on AI, ML, and self-service.</p>
</br>

**Press contact**

Email: <a href="mailto:aerocloud@theflywheelers.com">aerocloud@theflywheelers.com</a> 

AeroCloud launches AeroCloud Optic

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AeroCloud has created AeroCloud Optic, its passenger count and tracking software, in partnership with Liverpool John Lennon Airport in the UK. This case study provides an overview of the problems and challenges presented to us and the ground-breaking solution we have created.

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AeroCloud: AeroCloud Optic and Liverpool John Lennon Airport Case Study

AeroCloud has raised $12.6 million in Series A funding led by US fund <a href="https://www.stage2.capital/" target="_blank">Stage 2 Capital</a>. <a href="https://www.i2bf.com/" target="_blank">I2BF Global Ventures</a>, <a href="https://www.triplepoint.vc/" target="_blank">Triple Point Ventures</a>, <a href="https://www.praeturaventures.com/" target="_blank">Praetura Ventures</a> and <a href="https://www.starburst.vc/" target="_blank">Starburst Ventures</a> also joined in the round along with existing investors <a href="https://playfaircapital.com/" target="_blank">Playfair Capital</a> and <a href="https://haatch.com/" target="_blank">Haatch</a>. The Praetura commitment to the round was supported with additional investment through the Regional Angel Programme by <a href="https://www.bbinv.co.uk/" target="_blank">British Business Investments</a>. AeroCloud has now raised $16m in total, and this new round of investment will support a doubling down on the airport management software revolution. 

Founded by former professional racing driver George Richardson (CEO) and airport operations innovator Ian Forde-Smith (CTO), AeroCloud uses technology to solve the complex challenges airports face daily. Airports are fast-moving domains, requiring smooth coordination of multiple factors in a high-pressure environment, from security to passengers and airlines. A lack of coordination between these different factors can affect an airport’s performance - in some instances, airports operate at only around 66% capacity.  Even before the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, which caused escalating passenger processing times and labour shortages, these issues were difficult to manage, particularly for small and medium-sized airports that don’t have the budgets and capacities that their larger peers do. As travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, airports have struggled with adjusting to heightened demand, affecting operations worldwide. 

AeroCloud uses leading-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning combined with hardware to transform airport operations, drive communication amongst stakeholders, and increase airport efficiency and operating margins. The platform enables everything from faster passenger processing times to improved self-service check-in and bag drop and facilitates increased communication between stakeholders to deal with real-time fluctuations in processes to ensure that airports work better and communicate with their customers.

**Using the cloud to improve efficiency**

AeroCloud is currently focused on small to medium-sized airports which are often dependent on either Excel spreadsheets or inflexible, unwieldy and expensive legacy software to run their operations. By comparison, its modular, scalable management platform centralises all the siloed data across an airport into one platform that can be accessed by all stakeholders, providing an overview of everything taking place. The platform uses AI to highlight inefficiencies, as well as improve operations, from flight management to passenger predictions and gate management. In only two weeks, an airport can run much more efficiently, helping decrease operational costs and increase margins. These efficiency gains have a knock-on effect - enabling airports to employ more people, add more airlines and positively impact the local economy. 

AeroCloud’s cloud-native platform enables unlimited licenses per customer so an airport’s entire stakeholder base can access the platform at no extra cost. This also means AeroCloud can be used on any device wherever an airport’s team is based, whether onsite or remote, ensuring the platform is more secure than legacy systems, which are often run on centrally-located stack servers.

**The trusted partner for scaling airports**

This dedication to providing the tools to help airports make data-driven decisions and be more productive has seen AeroCloud partner with 42 customers in less than three years, ranging from Manchester Airport and Eindhoven Airport in the UK and Europe to Tampa International Airport and John Wayne in the US. Collectively, its software processes more than 150+ million passengers annually. 

One customer, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in Florida, US, started using the tool to automate gate allocation and passenger prediction analytics. This helped the airport to take on new airlines and seamlessly grow its annual passenger figures from 900,000 in 2019 to over 3.4 million in 2022 and become the US’s fastest-growing airport. The platform can even help airports reduce their carbon footprint by rationalising plane taxiing, resulting in less fuel used by airlines and ground crews. 

The new Series A funding will enable AeroCloud to scale up, with plans to double the team of 40 by the end of the year across its HQ in Macclesfield, North West England, and its offices in London and Florida. This will help it reach its target of over 100 customers in 2023, which will require growing its presence in North America and Europe and delivering innovative new product launches based on machine learning, AI and self-service.

George Richardson, co-founder and CEO at AeroCloud, said:

“The airport industry has had a difficult few years, which has only increased the need for a scalable, intelligent platform like AeroCloud. Before we launched AeroCloud, airports were forced to use legacy technology that was difficult to scale and barely fit for purpose. Now, it takes only 24 hours for an airport to onboard onto our platform and within two weeks, it's already driving efficiency and operation gains. In fact, AeroCloud’s technology is so easy to use that it supports millions of operational decisions a day and doesn’t require anyone to be on-site. 

Raising capital in this market has been tough but I am delighted with the results owing to our strong growth and impressive team. It’s been an incredible few years building this business and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds which I am sure will be very exciting for airports globally and our investors.” 

Liz Christo, Partner at Stage 2 Capital, said:

“In only a small time, AeroCloud has become the definitive operating software for small to medium-sized airports. Each module is so critical to running an airport’s operations that good enough is not an option, it has to be perfect. George and Ian have built an impressive team dedicated to delivering an amazing customer experience, and we can see that it’s working with airports across North America and Europe signing multi-year contracts and putting their confidence in AeroCloud. I’m excited to work with the team to accelerate their growth in the US and support George and Ian as they build a generational software company.” 

Founded in 2019, Macclesfield, UK-based AeroCloud uses AI and machine learning to transform airport operations and passenger processing solutions via the cloud. Its intelligent management platform with real-time analytics enables small to medium-sized airports to plan, monitor, and improve operations and passenger experience. AeroCloud is the only 100% cloud-native solution taking on a $20 billion legacy market, and this new funding will help it accelerate expansion plans and displace lethargic incumbents.

AeroCloud raises $12.6 million Series A

AeroCloud Systems has won a contract to provide both its Intelligent Airport Management System (iAMS) and Gate Management System (GMS) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Iowa, US. 
Our cloud-native airport operations platform will support DSM in allocating aircraft to gates and stands, maximizing their capacity to the full.

iAMS provides accurate and up-to-date flight information by harnessing multiple data sources. This information is further augmented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. DSM will use the data to plan and manage their gates, hard stands, or apron operation. In addition, DSM will be empowered by the ability to manage irregular operations (IROPS) scenarios supported by real-time data and collaboration with stakeholders regardless of location.

AeroCloud’s AI-driven GMS supports the management of DSM’s commercial aprons, enhancing its operational efficiency. It allows DSM to automate its weekly and daily operational plans, reducing human error and the need for manual input. The system provides high-quality, accurate real-time data, which supports efficient management of the flow of arriving and departing flights.

Passenger demand at DSM for business and pleasure has steadily increased to the point where aircraft gates are at capacity and wait times are increasing. In 2021, over 2,167,000 passengers used the airport. Des Moines International Airport plans to build a new terminal with additional gates, expanded security, and updated technology to meet this demand. This work is scheduled to start in 2024, and our solutions will help DSM along its journey, ensuring the smooth running of airport operations by optimizing airport resources.

AeroCloud’s scalable software platform provides a flexible, revolutionary approach to improving and developing airport operational management, utilizing innovative cloud-based modular technology that incorporates AI and Machine Learning. It can be implemented with little or no capital outlay. Together with our common-use passenger processing and self-service solutions, we deliver an innovative answer to the complex operational challenges experienced by airports across the globe.  

George Richardson, CEO and Co-Founder of AeroCloud, says:

“DSM were exacting in their search for a GMS System provider, and we are delighted that the team have chosen to work with AeroCloud. We know just how pressured the day-to-day operations of an airport can be. Our flexible and scalable software will ably support DSM’s requirements and grow with them as the airport expands.”

Clint Torp, Director of Operations at DSM, commented:

“The Des Moines International Airport looks forward to fully integrating the AeroCloud system into operational decision-making.  We expect this new integration to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce the challenges of managing complex gate operations.”

This latest news follows AeroCloud’s recent announcement of its expansion into Lincoln Airport in Nebraska and brings the total number of US airports supported by AeroCloud Systems to 17. Further rollouts of its software and passenger processing solutions are planned across North American and European airports in the forthcoming months, with an innovative new product launch in March 2023.


Gate Management at Des Moines International Airport

<p>We are proud to announce that we have, once again, partnered with <a href="https://carbonneutralbritain.org">Carbon Neutral Britain™</a> to measure and offset our carbon footprint, to become Certified as a Carbon Neutral Business.</p>

<p>Carbon Neutral Britain™ is helping British businesses and individuals to make an impact to climate change, providing voluntary carbon offsetting to all - from individual subscriptions, charities and organisations to businesses of all sizes.</p>

<p>The belief that carbon offsetting is the quickest, cheapest and most effective way to make a difference to climate change underpins their work. Their aim in 2023 is to become the largest organisation for voluntary carbon offsetting of individuals and businesses across the UK. Increased carbon dioxide (CO₂e) emissions in our atmosphere are the most significant cause of global warming. Planting trees and funding carbon offsetting projects is helping to remove and reduce further CO₂e emissions worldwide in a cost-effective and impactful way.</p>

<p>The UK Government’s UK Zero Target aims to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, which is more than twenty-five years away. Voluntary offsetting initiatives, such as the work undertaken by Carbon Neutral Britain™, are allowing businesses and individuals to step in and make a difference in stopping global climate change.</p>

<p>To date, Carbon Neutral Britain’s projects have offset over 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ and planted over 3 million trees, helping to stop climate change and providing essential forest habitats for endangered wildlife. By supporting their work and taking responsibility for our carbon footprint, AeroCloud is helping to make a difference.</p>


We are Certified as a Carbon Neutral Business

AeroCloud Systems (AeroCloud) has won a contract to provide a full suite of airport operations management systems to Lincoln Airport (LNK) in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

AeroCloud’s cloud-based airport operations platform will support the growing scheduled flight operations and passenger traffic following an expansion project, which is due to be completed by the end of 2023. LNK serves approximately 200,000 passengers per year. The addition of LNK brings the total number of US airports supported by AeroCloud Systems to 16.  

A combination of Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS), Gate Management Systems (GMS) and Common-Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) is currently being deployed at LNK. Introducing CUPPS will help LNK to optimise terminal capacity and seamlessly process a growing number of passengers, supporting the projected growth in airline service. AeroCloud’s AI-driven GMS will prove particularly valuable in supporting the management of the airport’s commercial aprons to enhance operational efficiency. 

The solutions are being implemented to support the expansion of operations at LNK to accommodate six gates. 

Supporting this period of growth, AeroCloud’s solutions will ensure the smooth running of airport operations through the optimisation of airport resources. The 100% cloud native software platform is expected to transform the airport experience for the airlines and passengers who use Lincoln airport.

AeroCloud’s flexible software provides a revolutionary approach to improving and developing airport operational management, utilising innovative cloud-based technology that can be implemented with little or no capital outlay.

George Richardson, CEO and Co-Founder of AeroCloud, said: “Lincoln Airport is undergoing a crucial period of growth. Induction of our totally flexible and scalable products will ensure they can achieve this whilst being time and cost-efficient. We are dedicated to the support of airports, and Lincoln will reap the rewards of moving away from legacy providers.” 

Chad Lay, Director of Planning and Development at LNK, said: “We’re excited to be working with AeroCloud and look forward to transforming our airport operations. As we see our traffic picking up post-Covid, we want to provide the best service to our airlines and passengers. The overall goal of our Terminal Modernization Project is to create a more flexible facility that is better equipped to respond to the needs of the air service market. In that way, our vision is aligned with AeroCloud’s, and their cloud-based technology systems will facilitate the seamless augmentation of our capabilities and enable us to accommodate future changes in demand requirements easily.” 
     
This latest news follows AeroCloud’s recent announcement of its expansion into Norfolk International Airport in Virginia. Further rollouts of its systems and approach are planned across American and European airports in the forthcoming months. 
     
For more information, please contact: hello@aerocloudsystems.com


AeroCloud adds 16th US airport to its roster

**We are recruiting!**

AeroCloud has ambitious plans for 2023 and beyond, and we are growing our team at pace. Our specialist subject is airports, and we thrive on delivering state-of-the-art technical innovation and operational improvements to the airport sector.

We are expanding across all areas of our business and are currently recruiting for the following roles:

<li/>Head of Customer Success
<li/>HR Officer
<li/>Bid Writer
<li/>Procurement Manager
<li/>Commercial / Operations Recruiter
<li/>Senior Software Engineer
<li/>Software Engineer 
<li/>Part-Qualified Commercial Accountant

<p>

Are you looking for a fresh new challenge working for a high-growth, disruptive SaaS business focused on technological innovation and delivering excellent customer service? One of these hybrid roles could be a perfect fit!

AeroCloud is an innovative and dynamic company with a people-centric culture, and it’s a great place to work. We’re based in Macclesfield in Cheshire, just 17 minutes from the centre of Manchester by train, and we also have offices near London and in the US.

Keep an eye on our <a href="https://www.aerocloudsystems.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">website</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerocloud-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">LinkedIn </a> for updates on our latest vacancies.


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