Dubai Airports Enhances Inventory Forecasting with AI

Dubai Airports, the operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), has introduced a demand planning and forecasting initiative powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This step enhances service levels and boosts operational efficiency.^[1]  

Over the past year, Dubai Airports introduced a sophisticated Material Requirement Planning (MRP) tool that uses AI and machine learning to predict future spare parts consumption. This solution has enabled the inventory team to maintain optimal stock levels, allowing for prompt execution of engineering work orders.

The MRP tool has improved forecast accuracy by 30%, reduced excess stock by 12%, and increased capital utilization, ensuring resources are available when needed.

Enhanced forecasting has led to a 24% increase in service levels, enabling faster response times for facility maintenance and improving the overall guest experience. The reduction of aging work orders by 82% ensures maintenance tasks are addressed promptly, minimizing downtime. Automation of the inventory ordering process has boosted efficiency by 400%, reducing manual workloads and integrating purchase requisitions seamlessly.

Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai’s airports, DXB and DWC. In 2023, DXB welcomed 87 million guests, surpassing 2019 traffic levels, and is forecasted to reach 91 million guests in 2024. DXB was also ranked as the world’s number one airport by international passenger numbers for 2023, according to the Airports Council International (ACI).

Over the next decade, DWC aims to accommodate 150 million passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260 million passengers and 12 million tons of cargo.

In April, Dubai announced expansion plans for Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), backed by a substantial AED128 billion ($34.85 million) investment.

The project will unfold through active collaboration with airline partners, strategic allies, the Dubai Government, and other stakeholders.

The new 70-square-kilometer passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport will elevate its capacity to accommodate 260 million passengers annually with 12 million tons of cargo.

Phase one, projected to be operational within a decade, aims to accommodate 150 million passengers annually, setting the stage for Dubai's aviation sector's anticipated growth over the next four decades.

Also, Abu Dhabi hosted the Middle East's first passenger-carrying drone trials during the Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, held from April 24th to May 1st, 2024.