• Athens International Airport (AIA) selects TK Elevator as a strategic partner for smart apron operations to upgrade to the latest-generation digital apron management technology.
• The contract includes 104 ApronVision Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) units, fully integrated into MAX, TK Elevator’s Stand Management System, for real-time operations, monitoring, and analytics.
• This project significantly enhances safety, efficiency, and situational awareness at the apron and further strengthens TK Elevator’s role in digital airside operations.
Credit: Athens International Airport
TK Elevator (TKE), a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility, has been selected by Athens International Airport (AIA) as a strategic partner for the comprehensive digitalization of its apron operations. The project includes the delivery and installation of 104 ApronVision Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) units, fully integrated into MAX Monitor & Control, TKE’s real-time operating, monitoring, and analytics platform. With this contract, AIA will replace its existing earlier-generation A-VDGS infrastructure with the latest generation of digital apron management technology at 24 contact stands, while implementing A-VDGS for the first time at 80 remote stands, significantly enhancing safety, efficiency, and situational awareness at the apron.
As Greece’s largest and busiest airport, Athens International Airport handled 34 million passengers and over 283,000 aircraft movements in 2025, serving as a key hub in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.1
“We are proud to support Athens International Airport with the most advanced digital apron management projects in Europe,” underlines Ignacio Medina, CEO of Airport Solutions at TK Elevator. “This partnership shows how airports can turn data into real operational value: real-time information, higher safety and more efficient use of gates and ground equipment.”
ApronVision is the world’s most advanced visual docking guidance system, using LiDAR technology to generate up to 2.6 million data points per second – far beyond traditional A-VDGS. The solution offers all-weather capability through LiDAR and transponder redundancy, supports long-range and 360-degree scanning with multiple-gate capability, including dual aircraft docking, expanding apron control range and eliminating blind spots. Globally, more than 2,500 ApronVision systems are already implemented at over 100 airports.
MAX Monitor & Control acts as the central management system for all 104 ApronVision units and provides real-time visualization of airside assets, automatic alarms, live monitoring, and data analytics for KPIs, usage, and performance. This enables more predictable operations, supports remote management, and can contribute to emissions reductions through optimized docking and turnaround times.
TKE’s ApronVision A-VDGS units will be implemented across all the airport’s parking stands and connected to the MAX platform, creating an integrated digital backbone for apron management in 2/3 terms of safety and efficiency. This will enable Athens International Airport to optimize aircraft turnaround by creating real-time digital information and performance analytics, increase safety and reliability through precise guidance, automated checks, and predictive maintenance, and improve operational transparency for airport operators, ground handlers, and airline partners via a single, data-driven view of the apron.
Credit: Athens International Airport
By moving beyond traditional ground support equipment towards a full digital ecosystem, TK Elevator supports airports in orchestrating all elements of apron activities – from aircraft under approach, docking, and departure– on one connected platform.
“At Athens International Airport, we see this project as a key step in our long-term strategy to make our operations smarter, safer and more efficient,” notes Mr. Alexandros Aravanis, Chief Operating Officer, Athens International Airport. “By partnering with TK Elevator, we are shifting towards an integrated digital ecosystem, enhancing the digital capabilities of our apron operations through improved real-time visibility, operational awareness and performance monitoring. The deployment of the new A-VDGS infrastructure across all aircraft stands will support safe and efficient aircraft turnaround processes, strengthen operational resilience and provide valuable operational data to airport stakeholders. This investment forms part of our broader commitment to operational excellence and the continuous evolution of our airport through innovation and digital transformation.”
Athens International Airport’s decision to implement TK Elevator’s ApronVision A-VDGS portfolio marks a significant shift in the global aircraft docking guidance market. The airport signals strong confidence in the company’s technology roadmap and long-term partnership approach. The project, part of a framework agreement running for the ApronVision A-VDGS phased deployment until 2029 and a maintenance and support scheme until 2036, reflects comprehensive airport-wide adoption of TK Elevator’s smart airside ecosystem. It further strengthens the company’s position in digital airside operations, complementing its established expertise in vertical and horizontal passenger transport with a growing portfolio of digital airside solutions.
1 https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/12/06/athens-airport-passenger-2025/
Link for pax traffic 2025 https://media.aia.gr/assets/aiaportal/media/root/corporate/statistics/passengers-traffic-new/passenger-traffic-december-2025_final_en.pdf
Link for aircraft movements 2025 https://media.aia.gr/assets/aiaportal/media/root/corporate/statistics/flights/flights-december-2025_final_en.pdf