Increasing passenger confidence is an important part of the aviation recovery strategy. Providing a safe, controlled and distanced airport environment is, therefore, a core responsibility and high on the priority list for airport operators and airlines all over the world.
A-ICE believes that smart technologies and innovative solutions hold the keys to ensuring a low-contact, safer passenger journey. With airports facing competitive constraints, but also opportunities over the coming months, there has never been a better time to adopt a flexible approach.
Dictating a new rule book
The Covid-19 pandemic has dictated a new rule book for airports all over the world. While the traditional airport environment encourages social rapprochement, with the convergence of passengers in queues, bottlenecks and retail spaces, now it has to change.
Vaccination programs are beginning to open up the airways again, but passengers need to feel confident that these traditionally busy areas are safe before they choose how to travel. Physical distancing requirements are likely to remain in place and so airports need to be visible proponents of social distancing technology to remain competitive.
How social distancing technology can help
Smart airport technologies can form the backbone of a recovery strategy. In a highly changeable environment, the airport needs a flexible, adaptable system with real-time operability to fully manage passenger flow, avoid convergence and provide a safe, low-contact journey for every passenger.
The latest distancing technology can help to manage passenger flow in the highest traffic areas using camera-enabled crowd-density monitors or repurposed 3D sensors. To fully secure the experience, however, we believe that the entire passenger journey should be managed – from before they leave for the airport to the seat of the aircraft.
Protecting passengers and staff
Airports are already protecting staff on the ground, supporting physical distancing and automating core processes, such as baggage handling and check-in, for example. To increase passenger confidence, there are simple measures in place to reduce crowding. These include virtual queuing, advance security reservations, staggered boarding times and more.
While these measures are important, they can be further simplified using real-time airport management and biometric solutions. For instance, some passenger flow technologies are able to add biometric images with and without face masks, take a Covid-19 test at the airport and issue proximity warnings.
Implementing a comprehensive solution that uses biometric information can facilitate an almost contactless airport experience. Combining online check-in, self-service baggage handling and biometric gates in addition to testing and proximity alerting can reassure passengers that they are in safe hands in all areas.
Talk to A-ICE about increasing passenger confidence
We understand both the pressures and the opportunities for airports of all sizes as the aviation industry recovery process gets underway. Talk to us about how to increase passenger confidence in your airport and let us help you find the right social distancing technologies.
