Tourism Breaking News
As global airports continue to evolve to meet growing passenger demand and sustainability targets, Honeywell is at the forefront of shaping that transformation. TravTalkME speaks with Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation, on the sidelines of the Airport Show about the technologies which help achieve the seamless and smart services for the passengers. At the Airport Show this year, Honeywell showcased its suite of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance airport efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental responsibility. “Our focus is based on three strategic pillars: delivering a seamless passenger journey, ensuring resilient operations, and accelerating the path to net zero,” said Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation. “We’re showcasing several innovations that are already making a significant impact in airports around the world.”
A Seamless Journey: Follow the Green
One of Honeywell’s standout solutions is Navitas, the “Follow the Green” technology. This system enables aircraft to taxi from runway to gate in the most efficient and safe manner possible. “Navitas helps reduce downtime and fuel consumption, improving turnaround time while significantly cutting carbon emissions,” explained Cheqroun.
Complementing this is Honeywell’s latest Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS), which ensures precise docking of aircraft. “Accuracy is critical in airport operations, and VDGS provides pilots with exact guidance to reach the correct gate position,” he added.
Unified Airport Intelligence
Honeywell also emphasizes integration with its Command and Control Suite, a platform that connects building management systems, fire safety, and security infrastructure. This unified view streamlines airport operations both landside and airside, enabling quicker response times and optimized resource management.
“Our Enterprise Building Integration (EBI) solution is built to manage complex airport environments. Whether it’s lighting, HVAC, or emergency response, EBI brings everything under one intelligent dashboard,” said Cheqroun.
Predictive Maintenance & Energy Efficiency
In the realm of sustainability, Honeywell brings a tangible edge. Around 40% of its equipment is made using sustainable sources, and its building automation focuses heavily on energy efficiency and predictive maintenance.
“Our FORGE platform is agnostic, meaning it can integrate with any manufacturer’s hardware,” noted Cheqroun. “It uses data analytics to monitor asset performance and predict failures before they occur, helping operators maximize lifecycle value without impacting airport operations.”
These capabilities not only support environmental goals but also reduce operational costs by optimizing energy use and improving system reliability.
Supporting Regional Growth
Honeywell’s legacy in the region spans over seven decades, and that deep understanding of local market needs gives it a significant advantage. “We’ve co-developed technologies with airport authorities in the region. That collaboration has allowed us to tailor our solutions to the specific climate, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements,” said Cheqroun. “For airport operators looking to modernize, our long-standing presence and experience make Honeywell a trusted partner.”
Looking Ahead
While the focus at the Airport Show was primarily on airport operations, Honeywell’s technologies also contribute to the cargo sector, offering similar operational and sustainability benefits. As airports expand to meet the demands of rising air cargo volumes, such solutions will play an even greater role. In closing, Cheqroun reinforced the company’s commitment: “Honeywell is not just showcasing technology. We are enabling airports to operate smarter, greener, and more efficiently—from gate to runway to terminal.”
For stakeholders in airport infrastructure and operations across the Middle East and beyond, Honeywell’s integrated solutions represent a comprehensive, future-ready approach to aviation.
