Salvador Bahia Airport upgrades Ana with generative AI in VINCI Airports network

The Salvador Bahia Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has rolled out an updated version of its virtual assistant, Ana, now powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Generative AI gives Ana more natural conversations

With this upgrade, the tool can understand questions written in natural language, making passenger support more intuitive and closer to how people actually communicate.

Unlike the previous version, which relied on a decision-tree model, Ana can now interpret the intent behind users’ queries, enabling smoother, more free-flowing conversations.

What passengers can ask Ana at Salvador Bahia Airport

Travellers can use the assistant to check which documents are required for boarding, baggage rules, flight status, boarding gates, where to find shops and restaurants, terminal services, airline customer-service channels, the ombudsman, and other travel-related topics.

Ana draws on official airport sources and real-time operational information, ensuring responses remain up to date throughout the passenger journey.

Where to access Ana and who developed it

The assistant is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed via the airport’s website, social media channels, and QR codes placed throughout the terminal.

Built by Strelo-a Bahia-based company specialising in digital solutions for airports-the new Ana forms part of Salvador Bahia Airport’s strategy to enhance the traveller experience through technological innovation, aligned with VINCI Airports’ digital transformation initiatives.

Daniela Franco, the airport’s Communications Manager, says: “Travelling brings up lots of questions; we want Ana to be the first choice for quick, simple and natural answers, whether before leaving home or at the airport.”

Shankar Cabus, Strelo’s CEO, notes that generative AI enables more natural interaction without the need to work through complex menus. “What sets Ana apart is her ability to learn from each interaction, generating insights that continuously improve the user experience.”