The latest trends of tech in airports are poised to bring about an extraordinary transformation in the future of air travel. From artificial intelligence and the Metaverse to sustainable development, these innovations promise to revolutionize the passenger experience and fuel business growth in airports. Here are the top 12 tech trends revolutionizing airports and airlines and making the aviation industry more customer-focused and tech-savvy.
1. Biometric Identification: Simplifying Passenger Check-in and Security Screening
The airline industry constantly strives to enhance customers’ pleasure and comfort during travel. One way they are achieving this is by integrating biometrics technology at various points of interaction within airlines and airports.
By using biometric identification technology like face recognition and fingerprint scanning, airports and airlines are improving the efficiency of passenger check-in and security screening. These advanced technologies enable quick and secure verification, resulting in reduced waiting times and a significant improvement in overall operational efficiency.
Airport Gurus, which is an airport operations expertise consulting firms can help you integrate biometric technology in your airport streamlining check-in and increasing security.
2. Robotics and Automation: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Reducing Costs
According to Mordor Intelligence, the global market for airport robots is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% by 2025. Investing in automation and robotics will spur more expansion in this area.
Smart robots are being employed to provide passengers with information and guidance, freeing up staff members to focus on more complex and critical customer service needs. In baggage handling, automation is used to transport, sort, scan and track bags for correct routing, minimizing mishandling and loss. This boosts efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances customer satisfaction.
Ground handling operations, such as towing, refueling, and catering for aircraft, are also increasingly relying on automation and robots. Airports are using autonomous tugs to move aircraft from gates to runways. Automating fueling systems, on the other hand, eliminates accidents and spills.
3. Artificial Intelligence: Enabling Personalized Services and Smarter Decision Making
As the use of AI grows, airports and airlines are harnessing its power to enhance the overall customer experience. Airports have begun implementing AI chatbots and virtual assistants to deliver personalized assistance and seamless guidance to passengers. These intelligent systems swiftly respond to passenger inquiries, simplifying the travel experience and ensuring a hassle-free journey.
AI has also made remarkable advancements in revenue management, a critical airline domain. By analyzing data and customer behaviour, AI empowers airlines to make informed decisions regarding destinations, price adjustments, distribution channels, and seat management. This helps them stay competitive and ensures customer satisfaction remains a priority.
Another significant application of AI is in predictive analytics for aircraft maintenance. Airlines can now proactively detect potential issues and replace faulty components, minimizing delays and reducing costs.
Furthermore, airports and airlines are extensively employing AI to analyze vast amounts of data, optimizing operational processes, accurately forecasting passenger flows, and enhancing resource allocation. This optimization leads to increased efficiency and more effective management of resources, ultimately contributing to heightened passenger satisfaction.
4. Internet of Things (IoT): Transforming Airport Infrastructure and Asset Management
Aging infrastructure and the constant battle to keep up with the ever-increasing passenger count are two of the biggest obstacles airlines face today. The average age of a U.S. airport terminal is 40 years, and the number of people who will take flights worldwide in 2037 is projected to hit 8.2 billion. This exposes the gap between passenger growth and infrastructural preparedness.
Thanks to IoT, airports can transform airport infrastructure, improve operational performance and better manage their assets. For example, within the next decade, all on-board “things” in an airplane may be networked together, allowing for continuous, real-time monitoring of everything from engine performance to in-flight entertainment. Moreover, by installing sensors in airline seats, flight attendants can track each passenger’s vitals and attend to their needs before they arise.
5. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Enhancing Passenger Experience and Training
The market for augmented and virtual reality applications in aviation is anticipated to grow tremendously, with a projected value of USD 1,372 million by 2025. AR and VR technologies have several potential uses in the aviation industry.
The integration of Extended Reality (XR) and the Metaverse presents a gateway to enriching customer experiences, driving cost-effectiveness, and fostering safer environments for maintenance. This transformative potential is poised to trigger airlines’ swift embrace of these solutions, revolutionizing the air and ground experience.
Moreover, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can provide a more lifelike training environment for pilots and simulate their duties. These technologies make it possible for pilots to practice emergency procedures and other situations in a risk-free simulated setting.
6. 5G and Wireless Connectivity: Enabling Faster Communication and Data Transfer
Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi can disrupt air travel for passengers, airport operators, and service workers. However, 5G network can bring significant changes the industry.
Airline passengers heavily rely on smartphones for various travel logistics, and 5G and wireless connectivity can significantly enhance these processes, offering faster network speeds and improved data access. Moreover, airports can leverage 5G for high-definition video surveillance and AI-powered security monitoring, providing real-time situational data analysis.
5G network also has the potential to revolutionize in-flight experiences by providing enhanced connectivity while planes are in transit. With high-speed data and communication transmission, 5G can deliver superior streaming services to passengers and empower airline staff with advanced capabilities.
7. Blockchain: Improving Security and Transparency in Airline Ticketing and Cargo Tracking
With each passing day, blockchain technology is solidifying its position in the financial sector, yet its potential reaches far beyond the confines of traditional boundaries, extending into diverse industries. Notably, the airline industry is awakening to blockchain’s vast potential, holding the power to make a difference in various aspects of its operations.
Blockchain technology’s ability to boost transactional security, simplify operations, and increase transparency in airline ticketing and cargo tracking makes it an ideal candidate for use in the aviation industry.
By leveraging blockchain’s decentralized and immutable nature, airlines can prevent ticket fraud and enhance passenger trust. Additionally, blockchain enables accurate tracking and traceability of cargo, reducing the risk of theft and improving supply chain efficiency.
8. Drones and Autonomous Vehicles: Revolutionizing Airport and Airline Operations
Drones have become increasingly popular in airport operations. Airports are embracing drones to prevent bird strikes, safeguarding lives and ensuring passenger safety. Furthermore, drones aid in infrastructure management by inspecting runways and critical infrastructure, identifying issues, and improving worker safety while saving costs.
On the other hand, autonomous vehicles such as self-driving baggage carts and shuttle buses enhance operational efficiency. Stuttgart Airport in Germany is using autonomous snow-clearing vehicles to remove snow and ice from runways. Hong Kong International Airport employs self-driving patrol cars for detecting restricted zone entry. Kansai Airports in Japan has implemented an automated system to attach boarding bridges to aircraft, improving safety and streamlining boarding processes.
9. Smart Airport Platforms: Integrating Systems and Services for Seamless Operations
The need for efficient management and seamless operations is increasingly becoming paramount as airports grow in size and complexity. Smart airport platforms are emerging as a game-changer, integrating multiple systems and services to create a connected and streamlined environment. These platforms leverage cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and data analytics to help monitor and manage various airport operations in real time. From passenger flow management and baggage tracking to facility maintenance and security, smart airport platforms optimize resource allocation, reduce delays, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
10. Energy Management and Renewable Solutions: Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs
The aviation industry has been under scrutiny for its environmental impact, leading airports to seek sustainable solutions. Many airports are adopting energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and motion sensors to optimize energy consumption.
Not only are they embracing energy-efficient technologies, but many airports are also actively investing in renewable energy sources. Solar panels, for instance, are being installed across airport facilities to generate clean and sustainable electricity. By switching to renewable energy sources, airports are able to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, consequently reducing their carbon footprint and operational expenses in the process.
11. Cybersecurity: Protecting Critical Systems and Data from Threats
As airports become more digitized, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. The aviation industry handles sensitive passenger information, flight data, and operational systems, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. As a result, airports are investing in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to prevent possible breaches. These include advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption technologies, and employee training programs. By prioritizing cybersecurity, airports can ensure the safety and privacy of their systems and passengers’ information.
12. Cloud Computing: Enhancing Collaboration and Data Sharing for Airlines and Airports
Cloud computing has revolutionized data storage, collaboration, and accessibility. By leveraging cloud-based solutions, airports can access and share critical information in real-time, improving collaboration and operational efficiency. Cloud computing enables seamless and real-time data exchange between airlines, ground handlers, and other stakeholders, facilitating smoother operations and faster decision-making.
Moreover, cloud-based platforms provide scalable storage and computing resources. This will allow airports to manage vast amounts of data generated by various systems and eliminate the need for extensive on-site infrastructure. Consequently, it will result in cost savings, increased agility, and improved disaster recovery capabilities for airports and airlines.
Conclusion: Tech Trends Revolutionizing Airports and Airlines
The ever-evolving landscape of technology continues to shape the aviation industry, bringing remarkable changes to airports and airlines worldwide. By embracing these technological trends, airports can revolutionize their operations, deliver exceptional passenger experiences, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.
If you’re looking for expert airport operations and technology assistance, consider contacting Airport Gurus. As airport technology solutions consultants, we provide airport expertise and consulting services to help airports and airlines navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology and optimize their operations. Contact Airport Gurus today and soar to new heights in the aviation industry.
