flydubai taps ZestIoT’s AI turnaround platform to boost on-time performance
January 9, 2026
UAE-based carrier flydubai has selected ZestIoT’s Turnaround Management Platform to digitise and AI-enable its increasingly complex aircraft turnaround operations.
The platform deployment is part of flydubai’s commitment to digital transformation, aiming to improve real-time visibility, AI-driven collaboration, and predictive decision-making across its day-of operations.
How ZestIoT’s AI-powered turnaround management platform works
ZestIoT’s platform integrates data from multiple sources to provide users with real-time visibility into the airport’s operational state.
It consolidates data from multiple operational sources (ground handling, catering, cleaning, fuelling, boarding, etc.) into a single digital view, enabling teams to see exactly what’s happening on the tarmac at any moment.
The platform improves situational awareness across departments by using AI and predictive analytics to identify potential disruptions before they escalate (e.g., delays from late arrivals, equipment availability, and staff resources). It helps teams work together more effectively by highlighting issues early and suggesting actions based on patterns from real-time and historical data.
By aggregating and interpreting data faster than manual processes, the platform enables quicker, more informed operational decisions that reduce delays and improve turnaround efficiency.
A turnaround solution to support flydubai’s growth
flydubai has expanded its network to more than 135 destinations across 58 countries, served by a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline operates an average of 370 flights per day from DBX. As the airline grows, the challenges of maintaining on-time performance increase.
“As we steadily expand our operations, real-time visibility and optimised performance are essential to further improving connectivity for our passengers across our growing network,” said Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai in the airline’s announcement. “By adopting the latest digital solutions, we look forward to building on our successful partnership with ZestIoT as we further enhance our operational efficiency.”
AI-powered turnaround technology takes off in the airline industry
Aircraft turnaround efficiency is one of the most critical yet complex operational phases in airline performance, especially for carriers with high flight frequencies and tight schedules.
flydubai’s selection of the ZestIoT platform follows a broader industry trend toward AI-driven turnaround optimisation. Another key player in this space is Assaia, a company specialising in computer vision and AI-based turnaround management tools.
Some major airlines and their main hub airports have adopted Assaia’s ApronAI system, including Dubai Airports and Emirates, as well as Alaska Airlines and Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Assaia’s technology is also in use at other key global hubs, including Toronto Pearson, New York JFK, and Rome, helping airlines and ground handlers improve aircraft turnaround and reduce delays.
A study published by Assaia last year showed significant gains from AI turnaround solutions, with median departure delays reduced by 25%, from four minutes to three minutes. Average delays remained stable at 11 minutes, even during peak traffic. Overall gate efficiency improved by 5%, enabling approximately one additional flight per day per 20 stands. Narrowbody aircraft achieved turns in 78 minutes on average and completed 4.75 turns per stand each day.
As airlines and airports continue to embrace digital transformation, AI-enhanced operational tools like ZestIoT and Assaia are becoming strategic investments, driving competitive performance gains.
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