Dubai Airports Transforms Procurement with Data-Driven JAGGAER System to Boost Efficiency and Growth

Published on September 8, 2025

Dubai Airports, the organization overseeing Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), has long been recognized for its pivotal role in global aviation. DXB, in particular, stands as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, consistently managing millions of travelers while maintaining seamless operations. Behind this efficiency, the Supply Management function serves as a cornerstone, orchestrating procurement and supporting both everyday operations and large-scale capital projects.

At the forefront of this transformation is Emmanuel Augustin, Vice President of Supply Management, who has championed a strategic vision for procurement innovation. Alongside him, Henry Shepperd, Senior Manager of Supply Management Systems and Performance, leads initiatives to streamline workflows, enhance systems, and integrate data-driven processes. Together, they have spearheaded a transformative procurement initiative that positions Dubai Airports for sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Overcoming Challenges in a Post-Pandemic Environment

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the aviation sector, imposing unprecedented pressures on airports worldwide. For Dubai Airports, the period following global lockdowns required a shift from strict cost-saving measures to strategic investment. As air traffic rebounded, procurement teams faced increased project volumes with limited resources, necessitating a more agile and efficient approach.

To address these challenges, the Supply Management team set out to revamp its procurement systems with multiple objectives in mind: enhancing visibility across projects, streamlining processes, optimizing budgets, improving on-time delivery, increasing satisfaction among business units, and mitigating operational risks.

Implementing a Data-Driven Procurement Solution

The answer came through the expansion of JAGGAER, a technology platform previously used for sourcing and spend analytics. By extending JAGGAER’s functionality to include comprehensive procurement planning and tracking, Dubai Airports was able to leverage its existing data infrastructure to drive decision-making.

The project, initiated in August, reached full implementation by January, introducing dynamic dashboards that provided real-time insights into procurement workflows. These dashboards allowed stakeholders to monitor every stage of a project, from request for proposals (RfP) to contract execution. By turning data into actionable intelligence, teams could identify potential bottlenecks early, anticipate risks, and act with confidence to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Shepperd emphasized the transformative impact: “With real-time insights at our fingertips, we can manage projects more effectively, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals.”

Tangible Benefits and Operational Achievements

The implementation of the enhanced JAGGAER system delivered multiple organizational benefits. Resource allocation became more precise, ensuring that teams were neither underutilized nor overwhelmed. Improved project transparency fostered stronger collaboration between departments, while consolidation of procurement projects created opportunities for significant cost savings through strategic spend management.

In addition, sustainability considerations were embedded into the procurement processes, reflecting Dubai Airports’ commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. This included selecting vendors and partners aligned with sustainability goals and reinvesting savings into initiatives that support long-term growth.

The system’s user-friendly design led to high adoption rates across the organization, creating a culture of efficiency and accountability. Teams now rely on actionable data rather than intuition, resulting in more informed decision-making and faster project execution.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Innovation, and Resilience

As Dubai Airports continues to expand its operations in one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, the lessons learned from this procurement transformation will serve as a blueprint for future innovation. By integrating technology, data analytics, and strategic planning into its procurement practices, the organization is not only improving operational efficiency but also reinforcing its position as a global leader in airport management.

With a robust system in place, Dubai Airports is well-positioned to navigate an evolving aviation landscape, ensuring resilience, sustainability, and continued growth while delivering exceptional experiences for travelers and stakeholders alike.

Dubai Airports’ procurement transformation demonstrates how strategic leadership, technology adoption, and data-driven decision-making can overcome operational challenges and drive organizational growth. By leveraging JAGGAER, optimizing resources, and embedding sustainability into procurement, Dubai Airports sets a benchmark for innovation and efficiency in global aviation management.