Lufthansa and Fraport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – have signed an agreement to further optimise aircraft handling at Frankfurt Airport. Together with zeroG, a Lufthansa subsidiary, the partners are introducing an innovative, artificial intelligence (AI)-based camera solution called ‘seer’. The goal is to use real-time data to make the turnaround process more transparent, punctual, and efficient.
Every step of the aircraft handling process – from docking the passenger boarding bridge to loading baggage and refuelling at the aircraft position – is recorded by a camera. The AI system then automatically timestamps each process step. This increases both the quantity and quality of the available information, which is bundled in a central database, serving as a ‘single source of truth’.
The AI-supported turnaround process is the result of an intensive development and pilot phase that began in 2023. From February to May 2024, Lufthansa and Fraport tested the system at selected aircraft parking positions at Frankfurt Airport. Currently, ‘seer’ is being used at five aircraft parking positions. The number of positions is expected to rise to 20 by the end of the third quarter this year. This will be followed by a gradual, comprehensive rollout at Frankfurt Airport.
“Transparent ground processes enable us to further improve our punctuality and service quality,” said Jens Ritter, CEO, Lufthansa Airlines. “This benefits our guests in particular. That is why we are working intensively on modernising our operational processes with innovative technologies such as the AI-based ‘seer’ solution. When all partners at Frankfurt Airport use their handling data and share it with each other, we can become even more efficient and punctual together.”
Lufthansa is contributing its extensive operational experience to the project, combining it with Fraport’s expertise in airport management. zeroG brings together the requirements of both the airline and the airport, developing the entire underlying AI and computer vision intelligence that forms the technological core of ‘seer’ and ensures seamless integration into existing processes. All airlines and system partners at Frankfurt Airport will benefit from ‘seer’.
“At Fraport, we are advancing a wide range of AI solutions to optimise processes at our airports, reduce the workload for employees, and increase satisfaction among our passengers and customers,” said Stefan Schulte, CEO, Fraport AG. “The AI-supported turnaround is a perfect example of this approach. Enhanced data transparency provides our employees and partners with a more precise overview of each step involved in aircraft handling, enabling them to adapt subsequent work steps accordingly. This not only has a positive effect on each handling process but also benefits overall airport operations.”
The close cooperation between Lufthansa, Fraport and zeroG is an example of successful partnership in aviation. Together, the partners are developing and implementing innovations that strengthen Frankfurt and its airport, while simultaneously setting international standards.
“Aircraft don’t earn money while on the ground – yet this is where the most complex processes take place under intense time pressure,” said Manuel van Esch, Managing Director, zeroG. “This is exactly where our solution helps: with the support of camera-based AI models, we make processes visible, analysable, and controllable – in real time. This brings greater transparency for airlines and airport operators, while also improving punctuality and resource utilisation.”
Hear more from Lufthansa and Fraport at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025. Anja Schuhmacher, Senior Manager Airport Experience & Partnerships, Lufthansa, is participating in a session focused on ‘Achieving a revolution in baggage by 2030’. Meanwhile, Jens Sanner, Program Director for Digital Services and Transformation, Fraport, is speaking in a session on ‘Advancing Digital Identity & Seamless Travel Efforts’.
View the full FTE Global 2025 conference agendas >> Register for FTE Global 2025 >>Groundbreaking FTE Smart Ramp program, accelerating automation and collaborative innovation
Smart Ramp is the latest initiative as part of the groundbreaking FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform launched in partnership with innovation consultancy nlmtd. ACE is dedicated to driving real collaborative action among stakeholders, facilitating fast progress and dynamic change in key areas of the aviation industry which are ripe for transformation. International Airlines Group, Miami International Airport, All Nippon Airways, Royal Schiphol Group, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority are all members of what is a truly global collaborative innovation initiative.
The focus on Smart Ramp operations has the ultimate goal that aircraft turnaround can be achieved autonomously and more efficiently. A phased approach will assess which solutions truly work by each member testing new technologies, while incorporating requirements from the other participants. The program will support startups and introduce new suppliers not yet active in aviation, forging paths together on how to overcome hurdles while also exploring the potential for shared investments in the future. Results of the innovations will be shared with respective experts, industry bodies and regulators, meaning the outcomes can be used to create recommended practices and standards in the industry.
Rapid progress has been made since the launch of Smart Ramp and the innovation challenges already planned by members include some 20 projects across eight airports in 2025. These include All Nippon Airways implementing autonomous towing tractors for cargo transportation to efficiently move cargo from the warehouse to the apron, reducing the need for manual labour in operations.
Learn more about Smart Ramp and the FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform and how to participate >>You may also be interested in
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