Make passengers stand long enough in a queue, and you will eventually face their wrath. This is especially true at airports, where concerns about missing a flight take precedence (sometimes even over civility). As artificial intelligence (AI) grows, it can be helpful in analysing passenger data, helping you optimise how long it takes for them to go from taxi to tarmac—or, as Skyfii dubs it, “curb to gate.” 

Omnidata intelligence company Skyfii (ASX: SKF) has signed a $5 million contract to provide its queue and passenger flow management solution to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Terminal A, in the UAE, for the next five years. 

The appointment is in partnership with Next50, an industrial AI company in Abu Dhabi appointed, to provide operational infrastructure for this landmark project. The partnership will use industrial AI to improve the operating efficiency and customer experience at the new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with its operational start announced on November 1.

The CEO  of Skyfii, Billy Tucker, commented, “This appointment supports the company’s future direction where we combine our technology with key partners globally to deliver world-class passenger management solutions for airports. Our partnership with Next50 allows for state-of-the-art AI solutions, LiDAR and data capture technology to deliver enhanced operational insights for the terminal, ultimately delivering an exceptional customer experience. The contract reflects our leading position in the global airport sector. This vertical is a cornerstone of the company’s transformation plan focussing on global airports and mass transit hubs.”

On November 8, the data analytics company gained a new leader, Billy Tucker, who took the helm as its new CEO and Executive Director, replacing Tony Karp. The Company also announced its rebranding plans to become Beonic Limited in October. This rebrand comes as Skyfii transitions from a WiFi analytics provider to a data analytics company using enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities.

In Q1 FY24, Skyfiii’s total operating revenues stood at $5.8 million, marking a 7.4% increase on Q1 FY23. Its quarterly cash receipts were $7.5 million. Skyfii reported $6.6 million in new business Total Contract Value (TCV), with new contracts including Peraton, Sebrae SP, Grupo Paulo Octavio, The Muse Media, Nottingham Uni Sports Centre and VIS Security. Overall, for FY24, the Company wants to lock more contracts with airports, stadiums and other high-growth verticals.

Next50 functions in the industrial AI space, using AI/ML, data science and automation with its deep industrial engineering expertise. With Next50, Skyfii will deploy its LiDAR sensor technology to leverage advanced capabilities, including ultra-live people flow mapping and auto queue detection. This will be integrated with multiple data sets to allow the airport to provide its passengers with a smooth and efficient travel experience. 

Skyfii’s technology is now deployed across many of the world’s busiest airports, such as London Heathrow and JFK International. Once it signs such contracts, the Company attempts to execute its “land and expand” strategy, which focuses on deploying new technology to existing airport relationships and deploying its solutions at additional terminals at the same airport. This way, it can tap into significant growth potential over its three-year strategic horizon.