Trusted to keep air travel on time: How Samsara powers airport operations

Air travel runs on precision. Whether it’s turning aircraft or transferring baggage, every minute counts—and safety is non-negotiable. Airlines, airports, and the many service organizations that keep them running face immense pressure to operate seamlessly amid tight schedules, vast facilities, and strict safety standards. However, the complexity of managing ground support equipment, coordinating hundreds of moving assets, and maintaining real-time visibility across the airfield and ramp can make on-time performance a constant challenge.

Trusted by top passenger airlines—including Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines—and some of the busiest U.S. airports such as Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Denver International Airport, and LAX, Samsara helps aviation operations run safely, efficiently, and on time by enabling:

• Maximized operational efficiency through streamlined tracking and maintenance of on-the-ground vehicles and equipment.

• Reduced incidents and risk with technology that enhances frontline worker safety and promotes safer driving behaviors.

• Fewer airfield incidents by ensuring workers and assets are exactly where they need to be, when they need to be.

• Lower operating costs through reduced insurance premiums, minimized asset damage, and smarter maintenance decisions.

Customer success story: Swissport North America

These advantages are translating into proven results for major players in the aviation ecosystem. One such example is Swissport, the global leader in  aviation services, including airport ground operations, air cargo handling, and airport hospitality. With Samsara, they’re setting a new standard for ramp safety and efficiency. In just 18 weeks, Swissport North America reduced incidents by 60% and vehicle damage by 23%, transforming how their teams operate across ramps.

By installing Samsara AI Dash Cams and Vehicle Gateways across their fleet, Swissport gained real-time visibility into ground operations. In-cab alerts help drivers self-correct behaviors, while live fleet data allows managers to adjust resource allocation in the moment—especially when flights arrive earlier or later than expected. This proactive approach not only prevents incidents and vehicle damage but also helps ensure crews are in the right place at the right time to keep flights on schedule.

“The partnership between Swissport and Samsara is transforming the way we protect our teams and operations,” said Levi Blount, Director of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment for North America Ground Handling and Fueling at Swissport. “We have seen a huge return on investment, and no other system has had such a profound impact on our safety culture in such a short period of time.”

How leading aviation service operators keep air travel on time 

Samsara helps the entire airport ecosystem tackle complex on-the-ground challenges with AI-powered insights and real-time visibility across their fleets. Here’s how aviation organizations use Samsara to keep operations running smoothly:

Improve safety at scale with in-cab coaching

Samsara AI Dash Cams give ramp teams the coaching and context they need to stay safe under pressure. With real-time detection, in-cab guidance, and actionable insights, crews can correct risks before they escalate. The result is a safer, more consistent operation—supported by data that shows exactly where behaviors are improving.

“Since installation, we’ve seen an average 72% reduction in unsafe driving alerts. Some categories are even higher, up to 80% in certain behaviors like mobile phone use. The data is clear: this is working.” David Over, Managing Director of Station Operations Support, Alaska Airlines

Turn reliable operations into a competitive advantage

In aviation services, reliability and safety are key to earning and keeping major contracts. Samsara gives operators the real-time visibility and AI-powered safety tools they need to prevent the incidents that delay flights, damage equipment, or compromise operations. With every vehicle connected and every event captured, service providers can demonstrate a proven record of safety and performance—building the trust that opens doors to new opportunities.

“Samsara was pivotal in winning a record-breaking $370 million contract that will expand our fleet by 400% within two years. Your technology reduces insurance costs and liability, making this partnership—and entirely new business line—possible.” Kansas Crane, Senior Director of Partnerships, LAZ Parking

Use real-time data and feedback to drive accountability 

When every driver and vehicle is visible in real time, teams can work with confidence knowing everyone and everything is in the right place. Samsara’s connected platform gives aviation leaders the data they need to monitor safety, reinforce compliance, and recognize great performance. With AI Dash Cams and automated alerts, teams gain instant feedback that enhance safety procedures and behaviors.

“Samsara helped strengthen our world-class safety standards including how we manage risk and operational performance. What began as a technology deployment has become a competitive advantage. With every unit connected, we now have complete visibility across our operation, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance our high safety standards, optimize utilization, and strengthen accountability in real time.” Tolly Savile, Chief Commercial Officer, North America, Swissport

Cut fuel costs and meet sustainability goals with fuel and energy insights 

Samsara’s open platform gives airport service providers the data and flexibility to pursue sustainability goals with precision. Through powerful APIs and EV fleet insights, companies can optimize routes, monitor charging and energy use, reduce fuel spend, and measure emissions reductions in real time. These connected insights make it easier to meet both environmental targets and operational demands without compromise.

“Samsara's open platform directly fuels our sustainability. We use their API for route optimization and rely on their EV insights to manage our expanding electric fleet, cutting emissions effectively.” Dana Donato, Chief Operating Officer, Alto Experience 

Resolve incidents faster with reliable, on-demand footage

With Samsara AI Dash Cams, key footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud, making it easy for safety teams to quickly find, review, and share video evidence. Instead of scrubbing through hours of recordings or relying on outdated hardware, operators can resolve incidents in minutes, respond confidently to claims, and coach employees with clear, reliable context.

“The cloud connectivity aspect of the AI Dash Cams was one of the main reasons we chose Samsara. The footage may be overwritten if we were using a typical memory card. We don’t have that problem anymore now that video is automatically captured and uploaded to the cloud.” Nader Khairallah, Owner and General Manager of Aeroport Taxi & Limousine Service that provides Airport Taxi & Airport Limousine services out of Toronto's Pearson Airport.