Brussels Airport celebrates 10 years of OPEX & innovation

Brussels Airport is celebrating 10 years of operational excellence (OPEX) and innovation as it continues to adopt collaboration, data and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure safe and efficient operations.

A decade ago, Brussels Airport opened its Airport Operations Centre (APOC), the nerve center where all operational partners including airlines, baggage handlers and emergency services work side by side to coordinate airport operations.

This initiative has evolved into a globally recognized model for streamlined airport operations – enhancing the travel experience for over 70,000 passengers daily.

Marking 10 years of OPEX and innovation at Brussels Airport

In APOC, various airport partners work together in a single location to coordinate operations. In total, around 300 employees from the airport operator and its partners work for APOC.

“10 years ago, the launch of APOC marked an important milestone in the way we manage airport operations together with our partners,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport. “Today, it stands as the beating heart of our daily activities, where collaboration and innovation converge to deliver a smooth and safe journey for all our passengers.”

The true strength of APOC lies in the combination of strong human collaboration and advanced technology,” Feist added. “That is what makes it so effective. I am proud of what we have achieved together with our partners and we remain committed to further enhancing OPEX through smart technologies and close cooperation in the future.”

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An OPEX model for other airports 

With financial support from the European Commission, APOC opened its doors in 2015. The beating heart of the airport is continuously staffed by around 50 employees who constantly monitor and coordinate essential activities, including passenger and baggage processes.

In 2021, the Airport Operations Plan (AOP) was implemented, which uses algorithms and AI to provide accurate forecasts of peak times and passenger flows. Using real-time insights, the APOC can proactively prepare for peak travel periods like the summer holidays and respond quickly to unexpected events, ensuring airport safety, operational efficiency and a seamless passenger experience.

Over the last decade, Brussels Airport’s APOC has established itself as a benchmark in international airport operations. In 2024, Brussels Airport, through its consultancy subsidiary Airport Intelligence, played a key role in developing Airport Operations Centers: A Guidebook in partnership with Airports Council International (ACI) Europe. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into the design and management of Airport Operations Centers (APOCs) and is now recognized as a global benchmark in the aviation industry.

Since 2022, Airport Intelligence has successfully supported the setup and optimization of APOCs at more than ten airports across Europe and Asia.

As the airport evolves, its operational needs evolve as well. Brussels Airport therefore continues to invest in innovation and advanced technologies at APOC to remain a frontrunner. This includes the development of a new, state-of-the art nerve center: APOC 360. The upgraded APOC is expected to be operational by 2028. With this, Brussels Airport aims to further strengthen cooperation with its partners and lift the efficiency of airport operations to an even higher level in the future.

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