Blending Enterprise IT, OT, Security for Seamless Air Travel
BIAL CIO George Fanthome on Tech-Driven Future for Bangalore Airport
Bangalore International Airport, India's third-largest airport, handles around 38 million passengers and more than 439,000 metric tons of cargo annually, serving over 38 airlines across 108 domestic and international destinations. Operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited, BIAL, the airport is on track to becoming a major regional hub, all while pursuing its vision of enabling journeys, creating experiences and touching lives.
In 2023, BIAL inaugurated the second terminal - dubbed the "Terminal in a Garden" - which blends sustainability and technology. With its BLR Pulse app, an interactive chatbot platform, BIAL caters to passengers' travel needs by offering real-time updates on flight information, estimated queue wait time and more. Recently, BIAL introduced a biometrics-enabled self-baggage drop facility, reducing baggage drop time by 50%. BIAL plans to extend this technology to allow passengers to use the same biometrics for their overall airport experience.
"An airport is a business of businesses, with numerous stakeholders and inherent complexities. By leveraging AI-enabled biometrics, computer vision and IoT technologies, we strive to create a live operating environment. The collaboration between enterprise IT and operational technology provides a single pane of glass, including cybersecurity," said George Fanthome, CIO of BIAL.
In this video interview with Information Security Media Group, Fanthome also discussed:
- The interplay between enterprise IT and OT to improve security compliance across all systems;
- The importance of implementing a stringent third-party risk management program;
- The need to manage complex stakeholder dynamics to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Fanthome is responsible for the digital transformation and growth of one of India's busiest airports. He focuses on improving operational efficiency and ensuring the security of the airport's IT systems. Before joining BIAL, he was the group CIO of GMR Group.
