With a constantly increasing number of passengers, the aviation sector is seeing remarkable development. But more people using airports means more airport operations need to be sustainable, safe, and efficient. Smart/intelligent airports are able to meet this demand thanks to technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cutting-edge data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Smart airports can revolutionise the aviation industry by tackling common airport challenges head-on and providing a seamless and exceptional experience for passengers, operators, and the environment. By using technology, smart airports improve airport operations across the board, including passenger check-in, security screening, luggage handling, and general administration.
What is a smart airport and what is a smart airport like, you ask? Well, in this article, we’ll get to answer what are smart airports and what is a smart airport like and explore their significance.
What is a Smart Airport?
A “smart” airport, like other “smart” concepts, uses cutting-edge technology to simplify airport operations, boost safety, enrich passenger experiences, and make airports more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This technology includes AI, the Internet of Things, data analysis, automation, and others.
Airline digital transformation is evident in many aspects of airport operations, including airside and landside operations, information management, and payment and finance control.
The idea that technology would determine how airports operate in the future has been advanced for a number of key reasons. The airport industry is always adapting to accommodate the growing number of travellers by streamlining operations, decreasing wait times, and managing the seemingly endless queues.
Smart airports are better equipped to meet the needs of their consumers, which leads to happier customers who are more likely to remain loyal, which boosts airport revenue and sales.
There is great potential for modern technology, like scanners, trackers, and biometrics, to significantly improve airport services in ways that older facilities simply cannot.
Benefits of Smart Airports
Smart airports have numerous advantages that include:
Smart Airports: Enhanced Passenger Experience
Smart Airports prioritize the passenger experience through the use of smart technologies, allowing airports to provide passengers with better, more convenient, and more enjoyable travel experiences. For example, by using self-service kiosks, passengers can easily do things like check-in, print boarding tickets, manage their bags, and choose their desired seat.
In the context of modern travel, the consideration of travel time extends beyond the mere duration spent in transit. Factors such as waiting time at airports and the requisite lead-up time before boarding contribute significantly to the overall journey experience.
Innovations such as the integration of biometric processes within terminals, the implementation of seamless single-token systems, and the refinement of security controls emerge as key components in redefining the passenger journey.
The airport experience is already very personalized and delightful for passengers, and it will only become better as new technologies come out.
Security Enhancements
Terrorism, theft, and other dangers are more likely to occur at airports due to the large number of people and activities that take place there. Thankfully, these kinds of problems can be foreseen and avoided with the help of today’s airport technology and software.
Modern technology has made it much easier for airport and airline staff to monitor the airport grounds, detect suspicious activity, and identify wanted criminals. This includes face recognition software, iris and fingerprint scanners, high-tech cameras, sensors, Internet of Things devices, and cutting-edge technology tomographs.
Sustainability Improvements
With millions of annual passengers, airports have substantial environmental impacts. However, smart technologies are making processes more environmentally friendly. IoT-enabled energy control systems, for instance, can make the best use of energy, which cuts costs and pollution. Using thermal mapping and motion sensors to carefully control HVAC systems can help them work more efficiently.
Waste management systems use IoT to optimize compaction and routing. Even green initiatives like smart indoor farms and green roofs are leveraging connected technologies. These kinds of innovations will be crucial for airports to meet sustainability goals in the coming years.
Optimised Operations
Airport operations are complicated because of the wide variety of systems, procedures, and stakeholders involved. Even seemingly little disturbances cause practical problems like flight delays, traffic jams, and a lack of staff.
Intelligent airports use IoT devices, machine learning, and real-time data processing to make things more efficient and effective. Sensors can keep an eye on things like wait times, queue lengths, the state of assets, and more. The data is then analysed to predict future demand and proactively deploy staff and resources accordingly. With these improvements, airports can keep delays and disruptions to a minimum.
Cost Savings
While upgrades require upfront investments, smart technologies ultimately help airports reduce costs in the long run. Streamlined operations lower staffing needs. Predictive maintenance cuts equipment downtime. Energy management reduces utility bills. Automated solutions eliminate human error. Touchless processes improve throughput. All of these efficiencies lead to significant savings that offset implementation costs. As these technologies mature, payback periods will shrink further, making intelligent airports an attractive long-term investment.
Embrace the Digital Revolution with the Help of Airport Gurus
Technology has altered the airport landscape in irreversible ways. Here at Airport Gurus, we’re all for the next generation of airports that are eco-friendly, more efficient, and better connected for passengers and staff.
Interested in seeing your airport undergo a digital transformation? Airport Gurus can help. Airport Gurus offers airport-related services, including airport business, operations and airport technology solutions. We have extensive worldwide expertise and are trusted by leading airports and transportation companies to enhance their operational efficiency. If you are interested in expert airport operations and technology assistance, contact Airport Gurus for a study adapted to your needs.
