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New AODB Solution Modernizes Processes at Erfurt-Weimar Airport

13.08.2025

Erfurt-Weimar Airport is one of the most longstanding customers of Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG).

For decades, this international commercial airport has relied on the software provider’s solutions. Now, following a public tender process, the airport has implemented a new Airport Operational Database (AODB). This solution forms the backbone of operational flight planning and execution, playing a key role in digitally securing airport operations. The main objectives were the efficient management of flight-related data, precise resource planning, and real-time availability of critical information for operational decision-makers. The results speak for themselves: the airport now benefits from digitized, accelerated processes and improved operational control. The implementation marks not only a technological milestone but also a significant and lasting enhancement of the airport’s digital infrastructure.

Long-Standing Customer Relationship on a New Technological Foundation

As one of Germany’s 21 international commercial airports, Erfurt-Weimar Airport handles thousands of passenger and cargo flights each year. With around 145 employees, the airport operates around the clock, 365 days a year. Given its regulatory and operational importance, the new AODB system from EPG plays a central role in the airport’s IT ecosystem. It fully supports the operational flight data processes, from importing flight schedule data to rolling resource planning and real-time data distribution to all relevant stakeholders. »With the new system, we can manage our operational processes more efficiently and respond flexibly to changing requirements,« explains Carsten Blank, the airport’s Commercial Director. »The integration enables us to collect and analyze all flight operations data in a structured way and securely document it in accordance with regulatory requirements.«

Reliable Data Foundation for Flight Operations

In addition, the solution supports related administrative processes and integrates seamlessly into the existing IT environment. This allows information from day-to-day operations to be efficiently processed in a structured and transparent way, without any media disruptions. Mobile data entry, system-supported documentation, and integrated validation mechanisms help ensure traceable workflows while maintaining a strong operational focus.

»With the new AODB system, we now have for the first time a unified and end-to-end data foundation for all flight operations processes, from flight schedule processing to real-time resource management,« explains Blank. »The system provides us with consistent information on all flight movements, which simplifies daily operational control and improves communication between departments. What is especially valuable for us is the ability to access up-to-date data quickly and reliably. This gives us greater confidence in decision-making and significantly improves the quality of our internal processes. At the same time, the solution is flexible enough to adapt to future requirements or structural changes in flight operations.«

Seamless Billing Without Friction

A key focus of the new system landscape is the complete recording and billing of all services in accordance with the airport’s fee schedule. Standard, additional, and ad hoc services are now digitally documented and automatically invoiced. Through mobile service recording (MSR), services are assigned to the respective customer on-site in a transparent, auditable, and real-time manner. The system also enables the creation of electronic invoices, which can be sent directly by email. This significantly reduces the time required for billing while also saving on materials and postage costs. The error rate has been noticeably reduced thanks to the transparency of the new solution.

»The level of automation is high. The combination of mobile recording, digital processing, and intelligent contract management makes our processes efficient and scalable, even during seasonal fluctuations,« summarizes Blank.

Analytics and Reporting as a Strategic Decision-Making Tool

In the area of performance tracking, the airport is also relying on the advanced analytics features of the EPG solution. Monthly evaluations and ad hoc reports provide a solid foundation for decision-making. Billing accuracy, error rates, and process speed are among the key performance indicators that have significantly improved since the system transition. »We use the data not only for monitoring, but for actively optimizing our processes,« explains Blank. »The combination of operational clarity and strategic transparency gives us a clear advantage both internally and externally.«

Upgrade Without Disruption

Another key factor in the decision to adopt the system was its seamless integration into the existing IT infrastructure. Communication between systems takes place via established email and SFTP interfaces, without the need for additional middleware or complex hardware. Implementation occurred during ongoing operations without significant restrictions or interruptions. Employee training was conducted both remotely via video conferencing and on-site.

»The smooth integration of the AODB into the existing infrastructure and the uninterrupted operation during implementation demonstrate how powerful and flexible our solution is,« says René Merkens, Director of Sales Logistics Solutions at EPG. »We are very pleased to have implemented such a sustainable solution together with Erfurt-Weimar Airport, especially as it further strengthens a partnership that has developed over many years.«

The airport’s leadership team is pursuing clear strategic goals with this solution: digitalization, increased process speed, cybersecurity, and further reduction of error rates. »Implementing the AODB solution is an important step toward securing the future of our airport operations, with a reliable partner by our side,« concludes the team in Erfurt.