Airports operate to facilitate passenger journeys worldwide. To make this process as smooth as possible, airports are increasingly adopting technologies that enhance operations. These innovations drive growth, efficiency, and resilience across the aviation sector. 

Digital transformation is reshaping the industry. Airports are modernizing infrastructure—improving customer experience, operations, and efficiency—through advancements in cybersecurity, data management, information systems, and automated services. 

To help the industry keep pace with this rapidly evolving landscape, ACI World experts work closely with international partners on capacity building, airport operations, and best practices. ACI World provides members with in-depth expertise and practical solutions through a range of IT initiatives, including onsite airport IT assessments, handbooks and guidance materials, and the comprehensive Cybersecurity APEX Program. 

Advocating on behalf of airports

A person in a suit touches a glowing, futuristic digital interface filled with blue lights and data streams, suggesting advanced technology or virtual interaction.

ACI World’s Airport IT experts provide:

The latest guidance material and data-driven recommendations
IT-focused courses and training programs
Resources through ACI World’s publications library
Expert insights through the ACI World blog
In-person and online events and learning opportunities

Areas of expertise covered

Digital transformation
Data standardization
Cybersecurity
Smart Data Hubs
IT sustainability

ACI World Airport IT Standing Committee

The ACI World Airport Information Technology Standing Committee ensures airport interests are reflected in global development of airport IT, automation, telecommunications infrastructure, and passenger services. 

The committee monitors and shares IT developments with our members and provides guidance on implementing new technologies, procedures, and automation practices to support airport operations worldwide. ACI experts and members play an active role at the international level, working with partners and stakeholders, including cybersecurity work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

How we support the industry

Aerial view of a white commercial airplane with red engines parked at an airport gate, connected to a jet bridge on the tarmac with marked lines.

Smart Data Hub

The Smart Data Hub (SDH) concept takes a holistic approach to delivering business value from investments in enterprise data capabilities for an airport.

The handbook explains the core principles of setting up a data culture as well as the implementation and management of the airport SDH. It also contains a data maturity self-assessment tool to evaluate where an airport is on the journey to becoming a data pioneer. 

A person wearing a striped shirt with CVG logos and a name tag checks a smartwatch displaying various app icons, highlighting the role of Airport IT. The focus is on the hands and watch, not showing the person's face.

Airport Digital Transformation

The Airport Digital Transformation Handbook examines how new technologies and the digitalization of existing manual processes can lead to new ways of addressing airport capacity challenges as the aviation industry recovers to pre-pandemic levels of air traffic. The handbook provides advice on focus areas of technology adoption, how to approach digital transformation, and case studies.  

Key Airport Information Technology Resources

A view of Earth from space at night, with glowing city lights, overlaid by a blue digital network grid and nodes, symbolizing global connectivity and Airport Information Technology. A bright light shines in the background.

Data Dictionary

Developed in collaboration with airport experts, the ACI Data Dictionary is a centralized, searchable, structured repository hosted by ACI World. It provides clear and consistent definitions for key industry terms—supporting interoperability and a common understanding across airports worldwide.

A man in a white shirt sits at a desk with multiple monitors displaying maps, graphs, and code during Airport Cybersecurity Training in a high-tech control room. Large screens show world maps and digital data.

Airport Digital Transformation Online Course

The OLC Airport Digital Transformation course aims to provide airports with concrete and practical advice to embark on or improve upon their digital transformation journey. 

Airport Information Technology Publications

Explore ACI World publications to access expert handbooks, in-depth reports and datasets, as well as comprehensive guidance. Empower your airport with global insights across all areas of the airport business, including economics, sustainability, customer experience, and operations.

View all publications

  • Digital Culture and Leadership Strategy
  • Private Wireless Networks – eBook for airport operators
  • The Twin Transition Playbook and White Paper

Additional resources on Airport Information Technology

ACI World Insights

Access the latest expert opinions, global tends and data-driven insights on the ACI World Insights blog. Stay informed to make strategic decisions that drive innovation in the airport and wider aviation sector

View all articles

  • How Digital Transformation, Passenger Experience, and Sustainable Operations Are Transforming the Airport Experience
    Airports around the world are rapidly advancing digital transformation, passenger experience enhancements, and sustainable operational models that are redefining what seamless travel looks like. These shifts are accelerating at a pace the industry hasn’t seen before — and the airports recognized in this year’s ACI World–Amadeus Technology Innovation Awards exemplify how quickly this evolution is unfolding. Every year, the awards highlight forward-thinking airport projects that elevate the passenger experience, strengthen operational performance and airport capacity, and show how emerging technologies can be applied...Read more
  • From Imagination to Reality: Transforming Airline and Airport Operations with the Power of Generative AI
    The aviation industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and using AI to improve operational efficiency is at the core of this evolution.  Cirium’s OTP Improvement AI has set a new benchmark for how airlines and airports can analyse on-time performance (OTP) and operational disruptions. To gain a deeper understanding, we sat down with Niha Shaikh, VP of Product at Cirium Journey, to discuss how this innovation is reshaping decision-making and driving operational excellence.Read more