The first students have graduated from the Promising Generations initiative run by Sharjah Airport Authority in partnership with Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) and Huawei.
Three groups of university students took part, working closely with Sharjah Airport staff members and prominent experts and specialists to develop solutions to challenges faced by the airport.
The idea behind the initiative was that the students’ solutions would be used to address operational challenges and further develop novel methods to streamline airport operations. The projects centred on significant issues directly related to the day-to-day operations of the airport, such as addressing challenges in traffic and passenger offboarding in the departures terminal and inventing smart luggage identifier using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
As part of the initiative, students toured the terminal and examined the airport's operational procedures. They were also granted free access to a Huawei training platform that specialises in digital technology.
His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “We hope to promote these initiatives in partnership with our partners Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park and Huawei. We are confident that this effort will pave the way for future innovation and creativity that supports our strategic goals of fostering creativity and incorporating its tools across our daily operations.”
He added: “We made efforts to provide the students with a smart and digitally equipped environment that complies with the highest standards at SRTI Park, further encouraging them to create innovative solutions. To help students comprehend the challenges faced by the aviation industry, we aim at involving them in the creation of innovative digital solutions under the direct guidance and supervision of specialists and experts. This will play a crucial role in fostering a talented generation that can advance and elevate this significant sector in Sharjah and the UAE.”
The initiative, which was launched in December 2021, aimed at engaging college students in devising cutting-edge and futuristic solutions to enhance Sharjah Airport operations. Participants from the Higher Colleges of Technology and the American University of Sharjah also participated in the initiative. This year, the initiative's second phase will begin with a fresh batch of university students, with a goal of strengthening the role of youth in society, further enhancing their skills, and connecting them directly to the job market.
Image: Sharjah Airport Authority
