Select parking slots, get info on queues at airports soon

Airports across the world are looking to implement the latest technologies to make travel smooth and hassle-free.

Dubai — Global and regional airports are increasingly turning to smart technologies to provide travellers with a faster, smoother and less stressful experience.

In the future, for example, travellers may be able to pre-select parking slots, track their luggage throughout a journey, receive real-time information on where queues are shortest, as well as information on when and where to board their aircraft and collect their bags.

Additionally, many airports have already begun investing in the Near Field Technology (NTC), which could allow passengers to check into boarding areas and priority lounges simply by tapping a mobile to a scanner, and in ‘beacon technologies’ that can help users find their way around.

According to a recent Market and Markets study, the market for smart airports will reach $13.5 billion by 2020, compared to $9.7 billion in 2014.

“Airports are now more open to new and smart technologies than ever before because they’ve seen the benefits that these bring to their operations, performance and passenger satisfaction,” said Daniyal Qureshi, group exhibition director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, the organisers of the Airport Show in Dubai, which will be held from May 10 to 12.

 Another study, conducted by airport IT giant SITA, found that 86 per cent of the world’s airports expect the majority of their passengers to use self check-in kiosks by 2017. By 2020, 80 per cent of passengers will have access to a wide range of self-service options from arriving to the airport all the way to clearing immigration at the final destination.

About two-thirds of the world’s airports have already undergone large-scale infrastructure projects designed to improve passenger experience by introducing Wi-Fi and common use kiosks, while over half of airports have major programmes related to passenger mobile applications.

Tech-savvy traveller

Qureshi said airports must work hard to meet the expectations of the world’s increasingly tech-savvy travellers.

“Airports need to turn smart to ensure that their facilities are able to cope with evolving needs and expectations of passengers. Having smart technologies in place is integral to delivering a hassle-free passenger experience that can put an airport ahead of its competitors,” he said. “New technology promises to make travel even easier, more efficient and safer. Some changes are right around the corner and others are decades away.”

Airports in the Gulf have been among the first to begin implementing smart technologies in anticipation of the massive influx of 450 million passengers expected to travel through GCC airports by 2020. The Dubai International Airport, for example, has already deployed automatic identification systems, as well as facial imprint and automatic iris scans and is currently in the process of implementing an Advanced Passenger Information System.

bernd@khaleejtimes.com

 

• UAE