Perth Airport taps DXC for cyber secure smart terminal

Perth Airport has appointed DXC Technology as master systems integrator for its new terminal development, signaling a major push into advanced cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and smart terminal technology aimed at reshaping the traveler experience in Western Australia.

Major technology partnership underpins multi billion dollar upgrade

Publicly available information shows that Perth Airport has chosen DXC Technology to oversee the design, integration, testing and commissioning of more than 70 information technology and operational systems for its new terminal complex. The project forms part of a multi billion dollar infrastructure program intended to consolidate flight operations and expand capacity for long term passenger growth.

The new terminal is scheduled to open in 2031 and is central to Perth Airport’s One Airport vision, which aims to bring all commercial airline services into a single, integrated precinct. Industry coverage indicates that this consolidation is expected to streamline operations, reduce transfers between separated terminals and create a consistent digital experience for domestic and international travelers.

DXC will act as master systems integrator, coordinating a diverse ecosystem of specialist vendors and systems across areas such as passenger processing, baggage management, building automation and airport operations. Reports indicate that DXC’s role will focus on making these systems interoperable so that data can flow in real time across the terminal, supporting faster decision making and more efficient passenger handling.

The partnership positions Perth Airport among a growing group of hubs investing heavily in digital platforms to support future traffic. Forecasts cited in public documents suggest the airport could be handling around 30 million passengers annually by the mid 2040s, making resilience, security and scalability key considerations for the technology stack now being planned.

Cybersecurity placed at the core of terminal design

According to published coverage, cybersecurity is a central pillar of the agreement between Perth Airport and DXC Technology. The master systems integrator program includes a comprehensive suite of security capabilities designed to protect operational technology as well as passenger data across the terminal’s digital infrastructure.

The scope is reported to encompass security monitoring for passenger processing platforms, baggage tracking and reconciliation systems, advanced screening interfaces and the networks that connect them. This broad remit reflects the increasing convergence of IT and operational technology in airports, where compromised systems can affect everything from flight information displays to automated baggage flows.

DXC’s global cybersecurity practice, documented in its corporate materials, supports hundreds of clients and processes large volumes of threat data each day, and the Perth project is expected to draw on that expertise. The company has also been developing AI enabled security operations capabilities, which can be applied to detect anomalies more quickly and automate incident response across complex environments.

For travelers, the impact of these measures is likely to be largely behind the scenes. A stronger security posture is intended to reduce the risk of disruptions from cyber incidents, limit exposure of personal information stored in reservation and biometric systems, and support regulatory compliance in areas such as data protection and critical infrastructure safeguards.

Cloud based systems to power smart terminal operations

Reports on the Perth Airport project highlight extensive use of cloud and AI solutions as part of the technology blueprint for the new terminal. The systems under DXC’s remit include passenger processing, digital signage and wayfinding, public Wi Fi, building management and operational control platforms, many of which are expected to be delivered or orchestrated through cloud environments.

DXC’s own materials describe a Cloud Right approach that aims to balance public cloud, private cloud and on premises infrastructure based on workload requirements. Applying this model to Perth Airport allows critical operational systems, such as baggage and security interfaces, to be tightly controlled while still taking advantage of the scalability and analytics capabilities of cloud platforms for less time sensitive or data heavy applications.

The move toward cloud native airport operations supports more dynamic allocation of computing resources during peak travel periods and enables faster deployment of new services. It also opens the door to deeper use of data, from real time monitoring of passenger flows and equipment performance to predictive analytics that can anticipate maintenance needs or queue build ups before they affect travelers.

For passengers, these back end capabilities are expected to manifest in more accurate flight and gate information, better functioning self service options and more responsive operations when disruptions occur. Cloud connected systems make it easier for the airport and airlines to coordinate responses across check in, boarding, baggage and ground handling partners.

Smart terminal features aimed at smoother passenger journeys

Information released about the partnership indicates that the new Perth terminal will be built around a suite of smart systems intended to create a more seamless journey for travelers. Core components include integrated passenger processing platforms, baggage tracking technologies, advanced security screening, digital wayfinding tools and intelligent building management systems.

Passenger processing solutions are expected to knit together check in, bag drop, border control and boarding processes, enabling higher levels of automation and self service. Combined with real time data sharing across airlines and airport operations, this architecture is designed to reduce queues, optimize gate usage and shorten connection times where possible.

The terminal design also places emphasis on baggage visibility, with tracking and reconciliation systems that can follow bags across different handling stages and alert teams to potential bottlenecks. Alongside this, advanced screening technologies integrated into the wider digital platform aim to maintain robust safety standards while simplifying the experience at security checkpoints.

Digital signage and wayfinding are planned to be tightly integrated with operational data, allowing gate changes, queue information and service notifications to be updated rapidly and consistently throughout the terminal. Smart building and automation systems will manage lighting, climate and energy usage, contributing to operational efficiency and supporting the airport’s broader sustainability objectives.

Positioning Perth as a regional travel and technology hub

Analysts note that the DXC partnership arrives at a time when airports across the Asia Pacific region are competing to position themselves as technologically advanced and traveler friendly gateways. Perth’s investment in AI enabled, cloud based and cyber secure terminal systems is seen as a strategic step to reinforce Western Australia’s role in regional tourism, trade and resource industry travel.

Public planning documents for Perth Airport outline ambitions to support growing international connectivity, including long haul services to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. A smart, integrated terminal is expected to make it easier for airlines to schedule new routes, by offering more reliable operations and a scalable digital foundation that can accommodate future process changes and passenger expectations.

Industry observers suggest that the collaboration with DXC may also enhance Perth’s profile as a technology market, as the project will involve advanced digital engineering, data analytics and cybersecurity capabilities. This aligns with broader efforts in Western Australia to grow high skill technology employment and attract investment in digital infrastructure, including cloud data centers and AI capabilities.

As the new terminal moves through design and construction toward its planned 2031 opening, the success of the partnership will be measured by how effectively the complex mix of airport, airline, government and commercial systems are brought together. For travelers, the key indicators are likely to be shorter queues, clearer information, reliable connectivity and a sense that the technology supporting their journey operates smoothly in the background.