Indra and Synaptic Aviation Deploy AI-Driven Aircraft Turnaround Monitoring System at Spain’s Largest Airports

Indra and Synaptic Aviation Deploy AI-Driven Aircraft Turnaround Monitoring System at Spain’s Largest Airports

(IN BRIEF) Indra and Synaptic Aviation are introducing an artificial intelligence-based system to monitor aircraft turnaround and ground operations at three of Spain’s busiest airports: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat and Palma de Mallorca. Operated by Aena and handling more than 150 million passengers annually, these airports will benefit from a video analytics platform that automatically tracks key apron activities such as refueling, ground power connections and catering services. The system provides real-time operational visibility, improves turnaround time predictability and enhances coordination among airport teams and service providers. By optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and enabling faster decision-making, the technology aims to reduce delays, improve safety and support sustainability objectives while improving the passenger experience.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 17-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Indra has partnered with Synaptic Aviation to deploy an artificial intelligence-driven digital system designed to monitor aircraft turnaround and ground operations at three of Spain’s busiest airports. The system will be implemented at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Palma de Mallorca Airport, all of which are operated by Aena.

Together, the three airports handle more than 150 million passengers annually and operate approximately 477 aircraft parking stands. The introduction of this new digital platform represents a major step in the modernization and digital transformation of ground operations across these high-traffic facilities.

The solution uses artificial intelligence and video analytics to monitor aircraft rotation in real time. Cameras positioned around parking stands and boarding bridges capture live video streams, which the system analyzes to automatically detect key events during aircraft turnaround. These include activities such as ground power unit connections, the placement of wheel chocks, refueling operations and catering services.

By automatically capturing and processing these operational events, the platform provides airport operators and airlines with continuous visibility into apron activities. The technology helps improve the predictability of aircraft turnaround times while enhancing data accuracy for operational monitoring.

The system developed by Synaptic Aviation has already demonstrated its ability to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact in airports around the world. The platform helps airports optimize the coordination of services during aircraft ground handling, supporting better use of existing infrastructure and enabling more efficient scheduling of operations.

Real-time visibility of ground operations also enables improved collaboration among airport teams, airlines and service providers, contributing to safer operations and a smoother passenger experience. With more accurate operational data and better synchronization of apron activities, airports can reduce delays, minimize emissions and strengthen overall efficiency.

Lidia Muñoz Pérez said the deployment reflects Indra’s commitment to helping airport operators remain at the forefront of technological innovation. She noted that the AI-based video analytics platform developed by Synaptic Aviation and implemented by Indra will provide Aena with advanced capabilities to modernize airport management and improve operational performance.

Sal Salman highlighted that the company’s AI model delivers highly accurate analysis with minimal processing delays, allowing airports to improve punctuality, operational visibility and apron safety. He added that combining Synaptic Aviation’s technology with Indra’s global aviation expertise enables the partners to deliver significant operational benefits for airport operators such as Aena.

The system can be deployed securely and adapted to each operator’s cybersecurity policies. It can also be implemented locally as a fully integrated enterprise solution without requiring major modifications to existing airport infrastructure. This enables airports to quickly gain operational insights that support faster decision-making, improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

The deployment supports Aena’s broader strategy to modernize airport operations through data-driven technologies and to improve sustainability by optimizing ground operations and reducing delays.

About Indra

Indra is a leading Spanish multinational and one of the foremost global defence, air traffic and space companies that, through technology, protects our current way of life and anticipates the needs of the future. Its committed team of experts, its in-depth knowledge of the business and the latest technologies, and its unique innovation and systems integration capabilities make it the trusted technology partner for key operations and digitalization for its customers around the world.  Thanks to its leadership in major European programs and projects, as well as its spirit of collaboration and partnership strategy, it drives the industrial and innovative ecosystem in these sectors. The company is part of Indra Group, which

posted revenues totaling €5.457 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, with a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

About Synaptic Aviation

With its headquarters in Miami, Synaptic Aviation (www.synapticaviation.com) is a leading artificial intelligence software company specializing in the transformation of operations on airport aprons and improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of aviation. Through advanced technology that optimizes ground assistance, punctuality, and operational decision-making, Synaptic Aviation helps airports and airlines around the world improve their performances and reduce costs. The company is committed to innovation in partnership with its customers, delivering smart solutions that support a safer, more connected, and sustainable aviation ecosystem.

Media Contacts:

Indra 

Elsa Jiménez
ejimenezbl@indra.es
+34 669 82 93 19

Synaptic Aviation

Cortney Ferretti
cortney.ferretti@synapticaviation.com
+1 (815) 274-6421

SOURCE: Indra