U-Tapao Airport and AIS have joined forces under a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to expand the development of Smart Airport Terminal to the next level by studying and testing 5G technology and AI robotics. The aim is to elevate U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport’s Passenger Terminal 2 to be a smart terminal.
It will also develop the passenger terminal in the upcoming airport to support economic growth, investment, tourism, and transportation, according to the EEC Eastern Special Economic Zone plan under the Thailand 4.0 policy.
U-Tapao Airport has trusted AIS to develop digital solutions for the second passenger terminal since September 2018. It is now taking cooperation to the next level in preparation for 5G technology in which it is a leader. AIS has high-speed networks and skilful personnel to support creating Smart Airport Terminal solutions with partners, thereby generating the most advanced digital innovations for the aviation business.
Studying, testing and developing 5G network solutions for the aviation sector includes enhancing the management capabilities within the terminal and using artificial intelligence (AI) robots to support passenger service by providing information, guiding customers to service points in the form of Guide & Go, and interacting with users through interactive multimedia.
The agreement has already covered Thailand Smart Airport application, providing flight and airport information in one app, and Smart Video Analytics Solution, detecting and recognising faces and objects in the airport building area.
Vice Admiral Kitchpon Rienglekjamnong, General Manager of U-Tapao Airport, said: “The government realises the potential of U-Tapao Airport under commercial management and this is in line with the development of a new airport area in the EEC project. In the past, the company has cooperated with Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of AIS to develop digital service, computer systems, and communication systems to provide services in the second passenger terminal. This has led to the further expansion of this cooperation to develop the potential of 5G technology.”
Mr. Yongsit Rojsrikul, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of AIS, said: “Today, AIS would like to thank you for accepting the trust of U-Tapao Airport to develop Smart Airport Terminal solutions since 2018, and for already launching two digital services. Now, AIS is ready to be a joint developer of Smart Airport Terminal solutions with the government and partners, with the potential for digital technology and the upcoming 5G network, including skilled personnel. When 5G arrives, we are willing to support the development and expansion of new digital solutions in the airport sector and create a model 5G project for the aviation industry.”