Airport Key Management System

When every key grants access to critical operations, security is non-negotiable. KeyWatcher helps airports secure, track, and streamline access to their most sensitive assets—from terminals to tarmacs.
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Asset and Key Management Solutions For Airports

Stringent security is the central mission of airports in Australia, and it is a mission that we also share at KeyWatcher.

KeyWatcher Australia has been the Leader in Key and Asset Management since 1993. With the world-first electronic key cabinets that are still the toughest in the market through their secure, durable engineering—paired with our cloud-based or server-installed key management software, KeyWatcher Australia provides the best-in-class security solution for airports to manage, monitor and track access to keys and important small assets.

Monitor and track your keys in real-time, from anywhere, with KMaaS, KeyWatcher’s key management software built for the Australian market.

KMaaS is a secure, cloud-based, key control software that integrates seamlessly with your current IT infrastructure and allows you to effortlessly automate the security and management of keys.

How it Works

Our Advantages

Total Control

With KeyWatcher’s intelligent electronic key cabinets and secure KeyMaaS software, you gain total control over who accesses your keys and when. Real-time alerts notify you if keys are not returned on time, and role-based access ensures the right people have access to the right keys—no more guesswork, just complete peace of mind.

Complete Traceability

KeyWatcher systems offer a full audit trail of every key movement. Whether you’re using the rugged Illuminated model or the advanced Touch version, every action is recorded in KeyMaaS. Access detailed reports anytime via mobile, tablet, or desktop, eliminating manual logs and increasing security across your organisation.

Scalable

From 8 to 96+ key locations per cabinet, KeyWatcher’s modular design lets you start small and scale up as your needs grow. Multiple cabinets can be networked together, and the same software manages both Touch and Illuminated models—so you never need to upgrade hardware to expand functionality.

Flexible Placement

Whether you need centralised control or decentralised access across multiple facilities, KeyWatcher adapts to your environment. Cabinets can be installed in secure rooms, receptions, or remote sites, with cloud connectivity via secure Telstra VPN keeping everything unified in real-time.

Integrated & Intelligent

KeyMaaS supports integration with over 40 third-party systems—from contractor and fleet management to building access control. Combine this with real-time alerts, online key booking forms, automated reports, and escalation workflows for a fully connected and intelligent key management ecosystem.

Modular Electronic Key Cabinets for Airport Security

KeyWatcher’s airport electronic key cabinets are modular and are able to be configured or scaled up to meet changing requirements. 

You can modify modules (16-key, 8-key, 6-key modules) or expand to increase your key storage capacity. Credit/Access Card, Dual Locker and Single Locker modules provide the capacity to store cards, and critical small items. 

That means your investment scales with your needs—without waste.

Our electronic key cabinets, KeyWatcher Illuminated and KeyWatcher Touch, are suitable to securely hold keys that access sensitive areas of importance within airports such as:

  • Terminal and Office Keys
  • Gate and Airfield Access Keys
  • Hangar and Maintenance Facility Keys
  • Baggage Handling and Storage Area Keys
  • Customs and Border Force Area Keys
  • Fuel Storage and Fuel Truck Keys
  • Aircraft Towing Vehicles (Tug) Keys
  • Emergency Response and Firefighting Vehicle Keys
  • Catering and Service Vehicle Keys
  • Keys for other Ramps, operational spaces, and Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA)

These systems work in tandem with our software, providing a complete solution for airport key management including: real-time monitoring, secured access, and tracking.

Airport Key Control: Best Practices for Secure Access Management with KeyWatcher Accessories

Managing physical keys in an airport comes with high-stakes responsibility. From airside gates to emergency vehicles, every key must be tracked, secured, and accessible only by the right personnel. These best practices ensure your KeyWatcher system and accessories work seamlessly in high-security, high-traffic environments:

Secure Keysets and Access Cards Properly

To prevent unauthorised use or misplacement, always attach keysets and access cards to approved keyrings or card holders, never directly to the SmartKey itself. This protects the integrity of the SmartKey and ensures it inserts cleanly into the cabinet. In fast-paced airport settings, this small step helps maintain consistent access control and audit trails.

Use Serialised Keyring Hubs & Padlock Seals for Auditing

Airports must maintain clear records of key access—especially in secure zones like customs, baggage areas, and maintenance hangars. Utilise serialised Morse keyring hubs and tamper-evident padlock seals for every key ring. These serialised accessories work with KeyWatcher software to generate detailed reports that are invaluable for audits, investigations, or compliance with aviation security regulations.

Colour-Code Multiple KeyWatchers Across Terminals

Large or multi-terminal airports often deploy multiple KeyWatcher units. Prevent cross-location confusion by using color-coded SmartKeys and matching hubs for each unit. This visual differentiation helps staff return keys to the correct cabinet and reduces errors during shift changes, especially in high-turnover or contractor-heavy zones.

Enhance Patrol Visibility with Non-Random Key Return

For sensitive zones—such as fueling stations, airfield gates, or SIDA areas—enable non-random key return. Assign fixed SmartKey positions using brass discs, slot numbers, and clear doors. This setup supports quick visual verification by roving patrols or supervisors, allowing them to spot missing keys instantly and act fast when every second matters.  

By applying these airport-specific best practices, your team can:

  • Improve physical key security and visibility
  • Minimise operational disruptions
  • Ensure alignment with airport authority standards
  • Build confidence in your access control protocols

A well-maintained accessory setup and protocol not only protects assets. It empowers teams with clarity, speed, and accountability.

Airport Key Software

KeyMaas – Smart Cloud-Based Key Management for Airports

KeyMaas is KeyWatcher’s web-based key management software built for the Australian market that connects our key cabinets to the cloud. 

The software is secure for airports and connects information about the cabinet to web forms, for ongoing user and database management. Events that require an escalated email or SMS alert automatically reach your set-up users, so they can respond immediately. 

For example, authorised staff or supervisors can turn on custom email and text alerts to be notified if a key is overdue. These security systems also allow users to check the current status and history of any key whenever needed. 

Additionally, scheduled reports can be created to track past and present key or user activity for internal use or documentation for your wider airport security systems.

Key Features for Airports:

Real-Time Monitoring & Alerts

Instantly receive email or SMS notifications for overdue keys, failed access attempts, or unauthorised usage.

Customisable Access Rules

Set precise key permissions by employee, role, department, or shift—ensuring only the right people access the right keys at the right time.

Secure Cloud Connectivity

Manage your entire airport’s key infrastructure via encrypted cloud access. Ideal for multi-terminal or remote airport operations.

Audit Trails & Historical Logs

Track usage history, access timestamps, and user activity for internal reviews or compliance documentation.

Automated Reporting

Schedule regular reports on key movement, user access, and system alerts—delivered directly to your inbox.

Third-Party Integrations

Compatible with over 40+ systems across access control, contractor onboarding, and fleet management platforms.

Mobile-Friendly Dashboard

Whether you’re in a terminal or on the tarmac, stay in control via any desktop or mobile device.

Web Forms & Booking Tools

Easily manage user access or reserve keys through smart forms integrated into your workflow.

Learn More About KeyMaaS

Complete Integrated Solutions For Airports

KeyWatcher’s airport key management software also integrates over 40+ platforms, across Access Control, Contractor Management, and Fleet Management. 

Our staff sets up these digital security airport integrations, to make automated onboarding for contractors and users seamless.

Service & Maintenance Agreements for Operational Assurance

Regular servicing of your KeyWatcher system is essential to maintaining peak performance, extending lifespan, and ensuring compliance in high-security airport environments.

With a Service & Maintenance Agreement (SMA), you benefit from extended warranty coverage, full system health checks, software updates, and reduced maintenance costs. It’s a smart way to protect your investment and keep your key management running seamlessly.

KeyWatcher Service & Maintenance Agreement

Ready to Take Control of Airport Key Security?

Whether you’re overseeing a regional airfield or a major international terminal, KeyWatcher helps you manage access with precision, accountability, and ease. From secure cabinets to real-time software, everything is designed to keep your operations running smoothly and securely.

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FAQs

What does key management software allow an organisation to do?

Key management software enables an organisation to manage electronic key cabinets, control distribution, tracking and monitoring of keys or other assets within an organisation.

How does key management software work?

Key management software connects the hardware, such as a KeyWatcher Key Cabinet, to the cloud via a secure VPN connection.

Are there other names for key management software?

Key management software can also be known as key control software, key tracking software and door key management software.