From self-check-in to self-boarding, technology has already disrupted the aviation industry and the way travellers get to and from their destinations so what is next for the market? Some experts are predicting a rise in wearable technology and biometrics but almost every area of the airport will transform through some form of technology, with the goal of creating smart airports globally.
The aviation market is anticipated to register a CAGR of more than 3%, during the forecast period of 2019 to 2024. Advances in technology will help airports and airlines keep up with the growing demand of travellers but will also create a better experience for those passengers.
Wearable Technology
Airport employees could start wearing “smart glasses” or “smartwatches” to track passenger activity but this can also be used in the retail areas of airports to collect data on how consumers prefer to eat, shop and spend time before, between or after flights.
There are advantages of this technology for the traveller as well, such as alerts on flight delays, long queue times, etc. This is already possible through mobile devices but could evolve past that in the form of alerts on watches, glasses or other wearable devices.
Biometrics, Sensors & Security
Facial recognition is also a big area being invested in right now, with the goal of getting flyers through security faster while also maintaining the standard of security needed.
UK-based cybersecurity startup Zamna, formerly VChain Technology, has raised $5M in a seed-funding round to enhance and automate airport security checks. They use blockchain technology to validate data between travel authorities and airlines for passenger identity verification.
According to the Airport Security Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size And Forecast Report, the aviation security market is forecasted to make a comeback, generating a 2014-2020 CAGR of 7.4%.
Sensors are another technology influencing that market growth. These innovations will help airports be more secure. Investments in odour sensors can detect suspicious air chemistry and track their progression. Other sensor types are being invested in as well.
Baggage Tracking
Another area pushing the growth of the airport security market upwards, and maybe the biggest pain point for travellers, is baggage tracking. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination to find your bag delayed or missing.
Airports are working on new technology to resolve this issue as the amount of travellers continues to increase. (RFID) radio frequency identification and mobile baggage updates are two areas being invested in to alleviate this problem.
Don’t be surprised if you start to see the technology in these different areas work together. Baggage tracking will most likely evolve into mobile alerts on the wearable devices mentioned earlier and different areas will use other connected machines.
Overall Benefits
Many airports are testing out new technology in different ways but most of them tend to focus on the passenger experience. One airport is even testing auto-driving wheelchairs to help passengers who are unfamiliar with the airport reach their gate faster.
Airports, airlines and passengers are all benefiting from the investment in new technology so if you are not looking into these areas already, get started.
If you would like to learn more and discuss recent projects, innovations and technologies in airport design and development, join industry experts and executives from global brands during the 2nd Annual Airport Design & Development Summit in Amsterdam on February 6th and 7th.
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