Mr. Sithidej Mayalarp, Chief Executive Officer of SKY ICT Public Company Limited (SET: SKY), stated that the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kasetsart University to jointly conduct research, promote innovation, and enhance the capabilities of human resources for the aviation industry.
SKY ICT has launched the “SKY Aviation Lab,” an intelligent airport laboratory, aiming for students to learn from real airport technologies and scenarios. This is to prepare new-generation personnel to be ready for immediate work and support an environment conducive to education and research, which will further elevate Thailand’s aviation industry in the future.
The SKY Aviation Lab is designed as a Passenger Journey Simulation Zone, allowing undergraduate and graduate students to learn and train using advanced systems, covering every step, from check-in to boarding, and includes:
- Check-In and Boarding System (CUPPS): The check-in system connects passenger databases to airlines and weighs baggage for efficient passenger management before boarding.
- Self Check-In Kiosk (CUSS): Automated boarding pass kiosks that enhance passenger convenience and allow self-service transactions.
- Self Bag Drop: A self-service baggage drop-off that reduces queue time at the counter area.
- Self-Boarding Gate: An automated boarding gate using facial recognition technology, allowing passengers to verify their identity and board immediately without waiting for staff to recheck documents.
Additionally, the laboratory features demonstration videos of the entire boarding process and the Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS) for tracking and matching baggage to passengers. This helps students see an overview of data management and passenger flow within the airport.
Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Acting President of Kasetsart University, expressed that the university is delighted that SKY ICT recognizes the importance of human resource development and has supported the creation of SKY Aviation Lab. This fulfills the learning ecosystem of both undergraduate and graduate students, bringing real-life technology used in airports for students to practice in simulated situations. This will elevate education quality and foster high-skilled talent to drive Thailand towards becoming the region’s aviation hub.
Dr. Navatasn Kongsamutr, Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, stated that the SKY Aviation Lab is a vital tool, enabling students to understand the aviation ecosystem.
It covers front-end passenger management with advanced technology to back-end data management via APPS, AODB, and BRS systems. Decision-making skills based on big data are key to the aviation industry, helping develop and raise Thai airports to international standards. This also promotes students’ analytical and strategic thinking, ensuring readiness for immediate entry into aviation careers upon graduation.
Additionally, a seminar was held on “Potential and Readiness of Thailand’s Aviation Industry towards Becoming an Aviation Hub,” honored by Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), and Mr. Sirote Duangratana, Senior Executive Vice President (Business Development and Marketing), Airports of Thailand PCL (SET: AOT), to share their visions on airport management to accommodate the increasing volume of passengers and drive Thailand towards becoming the region’s aviation hub.
