Dusting off your suitcase for holiday vacation? Then you should get ready for a very busy travel season! Towards year end, the aviation industry gears up for peak season demands. This year, however, passenger volumes are poised to be a record-setter. According to the 2023 Deloitte Holiday Travel Survey, nearly half of Americans plan to travel. Compared to 2022, concerns seem to have shifted from the immediate impacts of the pandemic to a newfound emphasis on the efficiency of airport processes. Worries about flight delays and cancellations persist as they can put holiday plans on risk. With passengers firmly at the heart of aviation´s strategies, what smart airport solutions can help to smooth holiday travel?
Because Passenger Expectations Matter
As the desire to travel soars, it´s important to understand the evolving landscape of traveler behaviors and expectations. ACI World´s ASQ 2023 survey reveals compelling trends influencing passenger preferences. Some of the key outcomes include that passengers now seek not only safety but also efficiency and control over their journey through the terminal.
The report also found that automation, the personalization of the travel experience, and sustainability are among the main factors influencing today´s travelers´ choices. In fact, 58% of respondents favor smart airport solutions to enhance their travel experience. Besides the technological approach, most of the respondents also emphasized how crucial human interactions are especially important in processes such as security control and immigration.
Delays: More than a Headache in the Holiday Season
The holiday season historically introduces challenges with delays topping the list of concerns for airlines, ground handlers, airports, and passengers. Based on previous years’ experience, aviation entities have been improving preparation to enhance resilience and optimally respond to changing circumstances. Part of that is due to their leveraging smart airport solutions. Here a few examples:
Biometrics for Faster Processing
The use of advanced facial recognition technology at airports probably dates from 2014 where the Department of Homeland Security’s US Customers and Border Protection (CBP) division began testing this technology. Since then, airports have been gradually adopting biometrics specifically for boarding processes.
This smart airport solution offers a more accurate way to confirm the identity of passengers – in contrast to manual methods. When a passenger gets to a biometric checkpoint, his face is seamlessly compared to his passport photo, which was previously scanned. As biometrics became more common, its use has extended to other areas including security screening, check-in, and bag drops.
AI Bag Scanning Enhancing Security and Efficiency
From long queues to time-consuming checks – going through security can be a frustrating experience. It can be especially stressful when there is a short time to catch a connecting flight. Modern AI bag scanners easily integrate into an airport´s existing X-ray and CT scanning systems. The result is accelerated security processes through swift identification of prohibited items like guns and knives, which reduces the need for manual checks and elevates overall security measures.
Automation and Robotics in Action
Robots are being deployed for various tasks including cleaning, luggage handling, and food delivery. One area where they play a crucial role is in helping people with disabilities. Tokyo Narita International Airport is one of the major airports in Japan that provide self-driving electric wheelchairs. Powered by advanced software, these wheelchairs enable people with disabilities to safely navigate through the airport independently, making them an ideal solution for connecting passengers.
And the future looks promising. The airport robot market’s anticipated 15% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) by 2025 underscores their transformative potential.
AI-Powered Customer Service for Real-Time Assistance
The implementation of chatbots powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual assistants is a game-changer. These tools provide real-time information on flight status, airport facilities, and more significantly, reduce travel stress and improve the passenger experience.
Predictive Analytics for Effective Crowd Management
Many airports are turning to a combination of sensors and machine learning to better manage crowds during peak times. By anticipating passenger flow, resource allocation is more effectively managed, preventing operational bottlenecks.
Software as Key Player
Beyond passenger-centric applications, airport managers shouldn´t leave ignore the essential importance of efficient airport resource management. It´s unthinkable to expect travelers to have a smooth journey if airport managers don´t have the right tools to minimize congestions at the gates.
AI-based software enhances the management of gates, stands, and other fixed airport resources such as baggage belts and check-in counters, contributing to an improved on-time performance. Advancing resource management not only benefits travelers navigating the airport but also empowers airport resource managers to make more informed decisions and remain agile.
Smart Airport Solutions, our Present and Future
As technology moves in the light speed, the industry will keep finding new (better) ways to showcase its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to passengers’ well-being. This holiday season brings many challenges. By understanding the sources of delays, focusing on the evolving passenger expectations, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, airports can better address the increased travel demand.
The digital transformation of the traveler’s journey, along with the implementation of biometrics, AI bag scanning, robotics, AI-based software and more innovations, signifies a future where smart airports play a pivotal role in making holiday travel not just efficient but delightful.
>> Which technological development do you find most useful for ensuring smooth holiday travel? Share your thoughts in the comments
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