One of the most technologically up-to-date sectors is air transportation. Indeed, airports and airlines constantly invest in different tools to stay ahead of the curve and ensure an increasingly satisfying passenger experience. Especially in recent years, with the continuous innovations introduced by the tech industry, this trend has become more pronounced.
The Most Innovative Trends For Smooth Travel
Who would have mentioned, even just five years ago, that one day we could have Wi-Fi on board during a long journey, indulging in the ability to chat on WhatsApp, watch a series on Netflix, play at Bovada online casino, or learn a new language on the Duolingo app?
Let’s find out together what other technology trends the industry has been focusing on lately, the latest projects, and how they will improve the way we travel.
1. Identifying Passengers Using Biometric Recognition Systems
Identifying a person by their physical or biological characteristics is what these unique recognition systems do, like the one installed on the iPhone that allows us to unlock the phone simply with our face.
The opportunities provided by these technologies are many, including in the transportation sector. Many companies are already active on this front, such as Delta and JetBlue, which have already invested in facial and fingerprint recognition for gate access.
Some airports, too, have already implemented specific solutions of this kind: Heathrow Airport, for example, has installed 36 self-service entrances using biometric recognition in its Terminal 5, while at Hamad International Airport in Qatar, the focus is on using faces instead of passports, and at Singapore’s Changi Airport Group self-service systems are already being used for check-in or boarding.
Or at Sydney Airport, they already assessed some facial recognition systems for touchpoints in the airport.
These technologies can work not only on the ground but also on-board aircraft: even while flying, they can help facilitate access to your assigned seat or in-flight purchases.
2. Delivering Information More Efficiently With AI
Artificial intelligence in the travel industry is being used in various ways: Chabot’s to support passengers, flanking social media managers with an automated response system, automatic pricing of flights in real-time, forecasting airplane maintenance, operational efficiency of runways, and more.
3. Entrusting Baggage Transport And Surveillance To Robots
If we talk about artificial intelligence, it is also possible to talk about robotics.
For example, in 2017, there was a lot of talk about customer-facing robots that could provide instant assistance to passengers. Still, the most significant impact in this area is related to more operational roles.
In Japan, for example, seven robots have been evaluated that can take care of different tasks, such as carrying luggage or identifying potential security risks.
4. A Great Solution To Lost Luggage
What about solving one of every passenger’s worst nightmares?
The Lufthansa Group and BAGTAG have been working on an electronic, reusable luggage tag that will replace the traditional paper sticker label that used to be attached to suitcases on every flight.
Then, American Airlines passengers flying out of London’s Heathrow Airport have been able to use the AirPortr baggage shipping service, which picks up suitcases directly at the hotel, saving travelers a bit of hassle in transporting them independently to the airport.
A genuinely innovative service is also offered by Fiji Airways, which allows travelers to check in their luggage directly in their hotel lobby through its Resort Check-in service.
5. Simplifying Communications With Translation Technology
Artificial intelligence and machine learning can solve problems related to language or unfamiliar surroundings when traveling. An example? Google’s Pixel Buds.
These unique earbuds can serve instant translation in 40 different languages. Air New Zealand is testing such technology both in terminals and onboard aircraft.
6. Making Travel Faster With Augmented Reality
The travel industry can also use augmented reality. One example would be Gatwick Airport, which has unveiled a new orientation system that uses AR; in fact, passengers can use the camera on their devices to receive assistance regarding which directions to take along the terminal.
The use of this technology in this field has been around for a while; Copenhagen Airport has been using AR services for more than 15 years already. Since that time, however, things have evolved; think of Apple’s advances with its ARKit!
7. Integrating Data And Personalizing Through The Internet Of Things
Indeed, the IoT sector could bring all the previously mentioned technologies together, helping to create a simpler and more complete travel experience.
Imagine a future where airport resources, in-flight entertainment systems, sensors embedded in seats, and more are all connected while also ensuring a flow of data that, if used properly, could bring new levels of operational efficiency and personalization services.
8. Run For Cover With Cyber Security
The emergence and development of new technologies and the continued digitization of the air transportation industry must go hand in hand with one of the main factors that need to be considered by airlines and airports: systems security.
It has been confirmed that the most significant investments have been made in this area, and almost all airlines and airports plan to devote even more time to security and R&D programs in the coming years.
Featured image by Drajt from Pixabay.
