Lufthansa and Fraport AG have signed an agreement to further optimize aircraft handling at Frankfurt Airport. Together with zeroG, a Lufthansa subsidiary, the partners are introducing an innovative, AI-based camera solution called “seer”. The goal is to use real-time data to make the turnaround process – that is, the procedures involved in aircraft handling – more transparent, punctual, and efficient.

Every step of the aircraft handling process – from docking the passenger boarding bridge to loading baggage and refueling at the aircraft position – is recorded by a camera. The AI system then automatically timestamps each process step. This increases both the quantity and quality of the available information, which is bundled in a central database, serving as a “single source of truth”.

Gradual installation at all aircraft positions

The AI-supported turnaround process is the result of an intensive development and pilot phase that began in 2023. From February to May 2024, Lufthansa and Fraport tested the system at selected aircraft parking positions at Frankfurt Airport. Currently, “seer” is being used at five aircraft parking positions. The number of positions is expected to rise to 20 by the end of the third quarter this year. This will be followed by a gradual, comprehensive rollout at Frankfurt Airport.

“Transparent ground processes enable us to further improve our punctuality and service quality. This benefits our guests in particular,” says Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines. “That is why we are working intensively on modernizing our operational processes with innovative technologies such as the AI-based ‘seer’ solution. When all partners at Frankfurt Airport use their handling data and share it with each other, we can become even more efficient and punctual together.”

Lufthansa is contributing its extensive operational experience to the project, combining it with Fraport's expertise in airport management. zeroG brings together the requirements of both the airline and the airport, developing the entire underlying AI and computer vision intelligence that forms the technological core of “seer” and ensures seamless integration into existing processes. All airlines and system partners at Frankfurt Airport will benefit from “seer”.

“At Fraport, we are advancing a wide range of AI solutions to optimize processes at our airports, reduce the workload for employees, and increase satisfaction among our passengers and customers,” says Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport AG. “The AI-supported turnaround is a perfect example of this approach. Enhanced data transparency provides our employees and partners with a more precise overview of each step involved in aircraft handling, enabling them to adapt subsequent work steps accordingly. This not only has a positive effect on each handling process but also benefits overall airport operations.”

“Aircraft don't earn money while on the ground – yet this is where the most complex processes take place under intense time pressure. This is exactly where our solution helps: with the support of camera-based AI models, we make processes visible, analyzable, and controllable – in real time,” explains Manuel van Esch, Managing Director of zeroG. “This brings greater transparency for airlines and airport operators, while also improving punctuality and resource utilization.”

The close cooperation between Lufthansa, zeroG, and Fraport is an example of successful partnership in aviation. Together, the partners are developing and implementing innovations that strengthen Frankfurt and its airport, while simultaneously setting international standards.