China’s opening up policy course appears to signal the end of the most major kinds of COVID-related border restrictions we’ve seen in place for the past three years. With the worst of the pandemic well and truly behind us, airports around the world are looking beyond the recovery period and are racing to secure their place as the aviation hubs of the future. While security and safety will remain vital considerations in the post-pandemic world, leading airports are also looking to provide the most seamless and convenient travel experiences for a consumer audience that’s eager to rediscover the joy of air travel once again.
As was the case in the scramble to make airports safe and viable transport hubs during the pandemic, operators are turning to emerging tech to plug gaps in the traditional air travel experience and provide next-generation passenger services.
Automation: The Dream of Robotic Efficiency turned Reality
Heavy investment in automation remains the firm direction for the most ambitious and advanced airports across the world. The fit is a natural one, and its benefits are clear. By allowing automated systems to carry the burden of handling luggage, processing check-in and security elements, and helping convey passengers to and from their designated flight, both consumer and operator stand to gain immeasurably.
Focusing on the passenger services part of the equation, it’s clear from recent surveys that consumers are increasingly willing to accept automation in a wider range of roles as part of their airport journey. From providing faster processing times, to creating a more convenient, healthy and pleasant airport environment, automated platforms and tools are leading the way to a more seamless experience.
Emerging examples of Automation in World-leading Airports
Faster processing: Getting from the airport entrance to the plane (and vice versa at the other end) with a minimum of fuss and delay is among the highest priorities of most air travellers. Automated systems are becoming more visible at check-in, baggage drop and security sections of the airport.
Exemplar: Frankfurt Airport: Starting this year, Frankfurt Airport will roll out its biometrics-based system to allow passengers to pass through each area with just a quick facial scan. Biometric touchpoints will be present at check-in desks, security, immigration and self-boarding gates. The aim is to provide this level of seamless coverage across the entire passenger processing journey, minimising the time and effort involved.
Baggage handling: While passengers want an easy journey from the main entrance to their boarding gate, they also want their baggage to have a similarly seamless trip. Automated solutions can help airports overcome the perennial problem of losing, damaging, or simply forgetting customers’ luggage.
Exemplar: Changi Airport: Automation is at the heart of Changi’s expansion plans for the next 3-5 years. This month sees a new trialling phase of a series of driverless baggage tractors that are capable of operating without a safety driver. This is an essential part of the airports next steps to scale up automated baggage handling, boosting efficiency while cutting down unnecessary delays.
Automated deliveries: Dining and shopping experiences are a big part of the enjoyment factor for passengers waiting for their flight or making the most of their stopover. However, busy times and tight timetables can lead to stressful interactions, as customers are hesitant to risk waiting in a long line if time is short. Increasingly, there is a genuine appetite for automated service options to take the stress and waiting out of the equation.
Exemplar: Incheon International Airport: South Korea’s Incheon Airport continues to push the envelope in seamless passenger services, as it is trialling Air-Dilly, an app-driven ordering system where service robots will bring food and drinks directly to you. The server-bots can navigate up to 820 feet from the participating outlet and has no problem making the journey safely and smoothly between the crowds.
Automation paves the way for next-generation passenger services
The airport of the future strives for integration and efficiency above all. Any airport, big or small, is a fantastically complex series of moving parts, emerging technologies can help bridge the gap between different elements, creating an environment where operators have complete control and oversight, and passengers can enjoy their journey with complete peace of mind. Accordingly, automation is one of the critical growth areas for modern airport overhauls and infrastructural upgrades. Next-gen passenger services, as offered by the likes of Saudi Airport Exhibition exhibitor MACO, are the point of differentiation between true airport innovators and ‘service as usual’ providers. Passengers now expect a higher standard of seamless interactions that get them from their point of origin to destination with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment. Automation will become increasingly essential for both.
