daa and Turkish Airlines Collaborate on AI and Digital Transformation

daa and Turkish Airlines Collaborate on AI and Digital Transformation

Leaders from daa Labs and Turkish Airlines Technology recently showcased their latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation at the APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing events held in Dublin from 10 to 12 June 2025. Moderated by aviation consultant Andrew Price, the session emphasized how both organizations are harnessing AI, automation, and digital ecosystems to redefine the passenger journey and enhance operational efficiency.

Dublin Airport’s Digital Overhaul

Ruairí Kell, Head of Innovation at daa Labs, detailed the team’s efforts to bridge traditional airport IT infrastructure with agile digital experimentation. Kell explained that their primary objective is to translate passenger needs into practical solutions that simultaneously improve the travel experience and operational workflows.

Among the recent initiatives are a redesigned website and mobile application, alongside Dub Rewards, a loyalty program aimed at fostering more personalized passenger engagement. Dublin Airport is also implementing advanced security scanners and dynamic digital signage that adapts to individual passenger profiles, striving to replicate the seamlessness of the physical journey within the digital environment.

On the operational front, the airport is trialing AI-driven smart turnaround technology designed to reduce aircraft turnaround times. This effort is supported by autonomous ground vehicles, foreign object debris (FOD) detection systems, and robotic runway inspections. Additionally, sensor-based facilities management—such as predictive maintenance for restrooms and monitoring of lounge occupancy—further streamlines the airport experience. Retail and service offerings are evolving as well, with the introduction of smart vending machines, interactive duty-free signage, and enhanced onward travel support for arriving passengers.

Turkish Airlines’ Pursuit of Digital Leadership

Hakan Sögüt, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions at Turkish Airlines Technology, outlined the airline’s ambition to rank among the top three globally for digital passenger experience. Central to this vision is Turkish Airlines Technology, the carrier’s innovation hub, which has introduced several integrated solutions to advance this goal.

The airline has launched a biometric journey system available on domestic flights within Turkey, providing enrolled passengers with a frictionless airport experience. It has also deployed a multimodal AI chatbot powered by large language models to manage customer inquiries across various platforms. Furthermore, the development of an MCP server facilitates scalable deployment of public large language model services, tailored specifically for frequent flyers and tech-savvy travelers. Connectivity enhancements include the TK WiFi platform, which is now operational across lounges, flights, and hubs, while the Turkish Airlines mobile app continues to expand its functionality.

Challenges and Industry Context

Despite the ambitious strides made by daa and Turkish Airlines, integrating advanced technologies into existing legacy systems presents considerable challenges. Data security and privacy remain critical concerns, and the substantial costs associated with AI development and implementation pose significant barriers.

Market reactions have been mixed, with some passengers and stakeholders expressing skepticism about the immediate benefits of AI integration. Meanwhile, competitors are accelerating their own digital transformation efforts, exemplified by recent high-profile partnerships such as the US$95 million AI development deal between Viettel and KT. Airlines worldwide are also reassessing internal AI projects to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience.

The collaboration between daa and Turkish Airlines reflects a broader industry trend toward smarter, more personalized, and efficient air travel, even as the sector navigates the complexities inherent in rapid technological change.