Introduction

The aviation sector depends on continuous, secure, and highly coordinated digital operations. From airside identity systems and radar communication to aircraft maintenance tools and passenger services, trust in data and system integrity is essential.

With growing reliance on digital platforms, cloud services, and connected devices, managing certificates across airport environments has become a critical operational priority. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Certificate Lifecycle Management (CLM) ensure that only trusted systems communicate and that data remains protected throughout the aviation ecosystem.

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Why PKI Is Essential in Aviation

Digital certificates underpin essential functions across the air transport environment, including:

• Secure ground-to-air communication and data exchange
• Identity validation for airside devices and operational systems
• Protection of electronic flight bag (EFB) updates and maintenance software
• Confidentiality and integrity of passenger and operational data
• Authentication of third-party and contractor access to restricted systems

PKI ensures that aviation systems operate safely and reliably, even as operations scale.

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Risks When Certificates Are Mismanaged in Aviation

Certificate failures can lead to operational and safety concerns, including:

• Disruption of gate management or flight information display systems
• Issues with airside access control and security checkpoints
• Delays to flight operations due to unverified equipment or device connections
• Reduced ability to audit or investigate incidents involving digital systems
• Exposure to cyberattacks exploiting weak or expired certificates

Because airport operations are time-critical and interdependent, a single certificate-related fault can create cascading disruption.

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How Certificate Lifecycle Management Supports Aviation Security

CLM provides a structured approach for maintaining digital trust across complex airport systems. Benefits include:

• Discovery of all certificates across on-premise systems, cloud, and operational technology
• Automated renewal and revocation to avoid unexpected expiry
• Continuous monitoring for cryptographic weaknesses or misconfiguration
• Integration with identity, access, and device management systems
• Clear ownership and governance across internal and outsourced operations

CLM reduces human error and ensures that certificates remain secure and up to date.

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Where CLM Strengthens Aviation Operations

Aviation environments include widespread certificate dependency, such as:

• Airside handheld devices and mobile operational tools
• Radar systems and navigation communication platforms
• Airport security and biometric access systems
• Maintenance and engineering software used by airlines and ground handlers
• Connected baggage handling, passenger flow, and safety systems

These systems often involve multi-vendor environments, making a centralised trust model essential.

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Strategic Benefits for Airport and Aviation Stakeholders

Strong PKI and CLM implementation enables:

• Reduced risk of operational disruption from certificate-related failures
• Stronger cybersecurity posture and threat resilience
• Faster onboarding of new digital services and operational tools
• Enhanced compliance with aviation security and cyber assurance frameworks
• Improved passenger experience through reliable, uninterrupted service delivery

Digital trust supports both safety and operational efficiency.

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The Role of Unsung Ltd

Unsung Ltd assists airports, aviation authorities, and airside technology providers by:

• Conducting certificate discovery across complex aviation environments
• Designing and deploying PKI and CLM platforms for operational and safety systems
• Integrating certificate operations with airside access solutions and identity systems
• Supporting post-quantum planning and crypto-agility for long-term resilience
• Establishing governance, policy, and operational models suited to multi-stakeholder ecosystems

The aim is to help aviation organisations manage digital trust consistently and at scale.

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Conclusion

Aviation operations rely on secure identity, trusted communication, and uninterrupted system availability. PKI and Certificate Lifecycle Management provide the digital trust foundation necessary to protect passengers, airside operations, and mission-critical systems.

As airports move further into cloud-based, connected, and automated environments, strengthening PKI and CLM capabilities will be essential to maintaining safe and resilient aviation operations.

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