Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport has secured two gold awards at the ‘Quality Concepts Convention 2026’ organised by the QCFI Bengaluru chapter, recognising projects focused on aviation safety, operational efficiency and technology-driven improvements.
The airport teams won gold in two categories for projects involving a Precision Approach Lighting Category 1 System and an AI-enabled In-Vehicle Monitoring System.
The recognition highlights the airport’s focus on adopting structured quality-management practices, technology and continuous improvement in its operations.
Team Margdeep wins gold for airport lighting system
Team Margdeep, comprising Krishnadas M S and Ippsita Choudhury, secured gold in the Allied Concept category for its work on the Precision Approach Lighting (PAL) Category 1 System.
According to the media release, the project integrates Six Sigma, Total Maintenance Control and Lean Safety Circle methodologies.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening safety and improving operational efficiency associated with the airport’s approach lighting system. Precision approach lighting plays an important role in supporting aircraft operations, particularly by providing visual guidance during approaches to the runway.
The use of structured quality and maintenance methodologies in the project reflects an effort to improve reliability while maintaining safety standards.
AI-enabled monitoring system earns second gold
The second gold was won by Team Safe Edge, comprising Pranoy Augustin Francis and Prajeesh Prakash.
The team received the award in the Allied (Kaizen) Concept category for developing an AI-enabled In-Vehicle Monitoring System.
The system uses an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) along with a Driver Monitoring System to support safer and smarter operations at the airport.
According to the release, the technology is designed to strengthen monitoring of vehicles and drivers, potentially helping improve safety in operational areas where vehicles and other airport activities need to be closely coordinated.
Focus on innovation and continuous improvement
The double gold recognition brings attention to two different areas of airport operations — infrastructure-related safety and technology-enabled vehicle monitoring.
While the PAL Category 1 project focuses on strengthening the safety and efficiency of an airport lighting system, the AI-enabled monitoring project uses technology to support safer vehicle operations.
Together, the projects demonstrate the airport’s efforts to apply quality-improvement methodologies across different operational functions.
The QCFI Bengaluru chapter’s ‘Quality Concepts Convention 2026’ provides a platform for organisations and teams to showcase projects based on quality improvement, innovation and operational efficiency.
For Mangaluru International Airport, the two awards offer recognition for initiatives developed by its teams to address specific operational and safety requirements.
Recognition for airport teams
The awards also highlight the contribution of employees working on specialised airport systems and operational processes.
Team Margdeep’s project combines established quality and maintenance approaches with aviation infrastructure, while Team Safe Edge has applied artificial intelligence and driver-monitoring technology to airport vehicle operations.
The two teams were recognised separately in the Allied Concept and Allied (Kaizen) Concept categories, giving Mangaluru International Airport a double-gold finish at the convention.
The achievement adds to the airport’s growing focus on technology and operational improvements as aviation activity continues to expand in the region.
Mangaluru airport strengthens innovation focus
Mangaluru International Airport has increasingly incorporated technology and structured operational practices into different areas of its functioning.
The two projects recognised at the convention reflect this approach, with one centred on aviation lighting and safety and the other on AI-supported vehicle monitoring.
The airport said the awards reflect a shared commitment to innovation, safety and continuous improvement.
The double-gold achievement at the Quality Concepts Convention 2026 therefore represents recognition not only for the individual projects but also for the teams behind them and their efforts to improve airport operations.