Sofia Airport invests €7 million in its digitalization

Over the last 20 years, we have witnessed technological changes. A system such as an airport is also undergoing these changes. Every day, we work to make flights safer. We also think about the customer experience and how to implement technologies in different places. This was commented on by Jesus Caballero, CEO of the concessionaire of Sofia Airport – SOF Connect.

He participated in the first panel of the Economic.bg business forum – ALL IN, organized in partnership with the European Investment Bank and the Bulgarian Employers' Organization. Caballero joined the discussion INnovations for INdustry: TRANSFORMERS, which addressed the challenges facing traditional industry today, the drivers of transformation, and how science, technology, and innovation are bringing it about.

Our goal is to become one of the best airport operators in our class," said Jesus Caballero.

He added that more than 6,000 employees work at the airport. "When you go to check in and select your flight, there are thousands of employees at your disposal." Caballero commented that the concessionaire monitors and analyses the consumer experience, which is why technologies that will assist passengers will soon be implemented at Sofia Airport.

For example, the possibility of electronic check-in will be expanded, and automatic boarding pass readers are also being considered. "We are also talking about sensors that analyze passenger flow. The trend is to achieve an optimal comfortable experience for everyone."

Within the airport, on the runways, we want to optimize the time that planes spend and stay. All of this is part of our goal. We are working to make the airport extremely competitive. We have the lowest airport fees in the entire region."

Caballero added that everything is being achieved with the help of new technologies, and Sof Connect is trying to implement them with the help of serious investments. "The risks are high in terms of financing, but we are managing to cope."

We would like to remind you that just a few weeks ago, Sof Connect announced a significant investment of BGN 500 million in the construction of Terminal 3 at the capital's airport. Over the entire concession period, more than BGN 1.2 billion will be invested.

We are currently investing EUR 7 million in the digital solutions we will use. We will use innovation to achieve our overall vision for the airport," said Caballero.

This includes transforming the airport into a 5-star regional airport. With the construction of Terminal 3, the concessionaire aims to attract transit flights and serve 20 million passengers a year, together with Terminal 2.

This is the largest capacity in the region, and how will we attract it? By being competitive and efficient so that we can attract airlines. We compete with many countries, but if we provide the best services, people will come."

The CEO of Sof Connect said that they took over the airport concession with one main goal – to add significant value. Caballero highlighted the three main approaches used to realize the vision for the airport. "I believe this can happen. I have the passion and emotion to make this change. I also have the perseverance. With such a big change, there will always be difficulties, but we must be persistent in pursuing our vision."

Translated with DeepL.