Ruth Haines
Airports rely on technology to function efficiently, from managing air traffic and ensuring security to handling baggage and facilitating communication. The latest trends in airport technology include biometrics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, blockchain, and more. Airports are increasingly adopting biometrics for identification and digital identity verification, improving passenger check-in and security screening processes. Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are also being explored for their potential to transform the aviation industry. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are expected to enhance customer experiences, improve maintenance procedures, and drive cost-effectiveness. Blockchain technology is another game-changer, offering enhanced transactional security, simplified operations, and improved cargo tracking. Airports are also investing in automation and robotics, with smart robots assisting passengers and ground handling operations becoming increasingly automated. Other notable trends include IoT applications, predictive analytics, virtual queuing, and advanced autonomous systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biometric identification | Face recognition, iris recognition, fingerprint scanning |
| Blockchain technology | Boosting transactional security, simplifying operations, increasing transparency in airline ticketing and cargo tracking |
| AI | Chatbots, virtual assistants, language models |
| AR and VR | Training, maintenance, identifying potential dangers |
| IoT | Networking all on-board "things", real-time monitoring of engine performance, in-flight entertainment |
| Robotics | Providing information and guidance to passengers, baggage handling, ground handling operations |
| Data analytics | Predictive analytics, automation of data collection and visualisation |
| Virtual queuing | Pre-booking slots, receiving confirmation and QR code |
| Contactless technology | Biometric boarding passes, mobile device integration |
| Airport information systems | Public address (PA) or announcement systems, automated terminal information service (ATIS), flight information display systems (FIDS) |
| Airside Operational Systems | Automated ticket dispensers, parking guidance systems, electronic payment options, license plate recognition technology, real-time parking availability displays |
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What You'll Learn
Biometric identification
One example of biometric identification is iris recognition, which has seen recent advancements in speed and reliability. Due to its high accuracy and contactless nature, it is becoming an increasingly popular form of identification at airports. Additionally, some airports and airlines are experimenting with biometric boarding passes. For instance, Delta Air Lines has introduced dedicated bag drop spaces for TSA PreCheck customers, allowing Delta SkyMiles members to use the Fly Delta app for bag drop, security checkpoint, and boarding solely through digital identity verification.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also actively exploring the use of biometric technology. They are testing 1:n (one-to-few) facial identification by comparing live images of passengers to a database of pre-enrolled reference photos. This technology is being developed for the TSA PreCheck® Application Program and CBP Global Entry Program. TSA has conducted field tests at multiple airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Miami International Airport (MIA), to evaluate and enhance the performance of the system.
Furthermore, TSA has deployed CAT-2 units as part of the rollout of state-issued mobile driver's licenses and digital IDs. These units enable passengers to scan their identity documents for authentication and biometric identity matching, reducing contact between TSA officers and travellers. Passengers have the option to opt-out of facial recognition and request a standard ID check. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which utilizes facial recognition technology, offers faster and more efficient identity verification for those who choose to participate.
Biometric facial comparison technology is also being employed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at 238 airports, including 14 CBP Preclearance locations and 49 international air departure sites. This technology aims to expedite the processing of travellers entering the United States, and the feedback from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive.
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Virtual queuing
Overall, virtual queuing offers many benefits for airports and passengers, including improved hygiene standards and a more relaxed airport experience. It also helps airports optimize their queue management and improve their resource management and operational efficiency.
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Blockchain technology
Blockchain has become a benchmark technology for airports and airlines worldwide. It can be used to identify passengers, issue banknotes, follow assets, manage programmes and improve cooperation.
Blockchain can also be used for identity verification, which is advantageous for adopting contactless boarding and check-in at global airports. This technology can also be used to store and update a passenger's health status, which was particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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IoT and 5G
Airports are increasingly relying on technology to function efficiently and deliver a seamless experience to passengers. One of the key technologies being adopted by airports is 5G. 5G networks are expected to serve a wide range of applications, with one of the primary use cases being autonomous driving. 5G will enable the next-generation aircraft to exchange vast amounts of data around the airport and at the gate. The fast transmission of aircraft data and its analysis will enable proactive maintenance, quicker aircraft turnarounds, and more on-time departures, thereby improving the customer experience.
Private 5G networks will also provide reliable and secure connectivity, enhancing efficient and seamless ground operations. Airports will be able to control Wi-Fi quality and improve disruption management capabilities. 5G will also support automated airport ground handling and robotized Baggage Handling System (BHS) facilities.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another key technology being adopted by airports. IoT can be defined as a network that enables monitoring and control of the physical environment by collecting, processing, and analyzing data generated by sensors or smart objects. IoT includes Machine-to-Human communication (M2H), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Location-Based Services (LBS), Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) sensors, Augmented Reality (AR), robotics, and vehicle telematics. IoT devices, however, pose a security risk as they sense the physical world around them and affect it directly. Airports are vulnerable when deploying large-scale IoT projects, and careful design of the network architecture is required to secure the perimeter.
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AI and automation
Airports are increasingly relying on AI and automation to streamline operations and improve the passenger experience. AI is expected to transform the aviation industry, impacting everything from airport operations to the passenger experience.
One example of AI and automation in airports is the use of biometric identification technology. Biometric technology, such as facial recognition and iris recognition, is being used at various points of interaction within airports to streamline check-in processes and enhance security screening. The global acceptance of biometric technology is growing, with more passengers preferring it over traditional passports and boarding passes due to its convenience and speed. Airports are also experimenting with biometric boarding passes, allowing passengers to use their digital identity for bag drops, security checkpoints, and boarding.
Automation is also being utilized in baggage handling systems. Airports are employing automation and robotics to efficiently manage, sort, load, and unload luggage, minimizing mishandling and loss. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction by reducing wait times. Additionally, automation is used in ground handling operations, such as towing, refueling, and catering for aircraft.
Intelligent airports are integrating multiple IT systems to gain a comprehensive view of airport operations. For instance, real-time CCTV security surveillance, smart security gates, and unmanned immigration systems improve security and streamline the immigration process. RFID/NFC-based baggage tracking systems, such as those used in Las Vegas, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong airports, have resulted in improved baggage sorting and increased capacity in existing baggage systems.
The use of advanced technologies, such as IoT, is helping airports transform their infrastructure and improve operational performance. For example, sensors installed in airline seats can monitor passenger vitals, allowing flight attendants to anticipate and address their needs proactively. Additionally, IoT enables continuous, real-time monitoring of various aspects, from engine performance to in-flight entertainment.
The augmented and virtual reality market in aviation is projected to grow significantly, with applications in training, maintenance, and identifying potential dangers. These technologies provide an immersive and interactive approach, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety.
Overall, the integration of AI and automation in airports is revolutionizing the aviation industry, improving operational efficiency, enhancing security, and transforming the passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports are increasingly turning to biometrics to improve the customer experience. Biometric identification technology like face recognition and fingerprint scanning is used to improve the efficiency of passenger check-in and security screening. Iris recognition is another technology that is becoming more prevalent in airports due to its high accuracy and contactless nature.
Airports use a wide range of technologies to identify and prevent the entrance of unauthorised individuals, items, and threats to the airport’s protected areas. These include smart security gates, unmanned immigration systems, real-time CCTV security surveillance, and RFID/NFC-based baggage tracking. Blockchain technology is also being used to increase transparency in airline ticketing and cargo tracking, preventing ticket fraud and enhancing passenger trust.
Airports use a variety of technologies to manage their operations, including parking, baggage handling, and air traffic control. Airside Operational Systems, for example, streamline the parking process and optimise the use of airport parking spaces. Baggage and cargo handling systems ensure the smooth and timely transfer of baggage and cargo, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Advanced technologies like Mapsted’s hardware-free location technology and IoT solutions are also used to enhance situational awareness, gain insights into traffic patterns, and optimise arrivals and departures.
Airports are experimenting with a range of emerging technologies, including AI, AR, VR, and the Metaverse. AI is being used to automate data collection and visualisation, as well as for predictive analytics to enhance decision-making. AR and VR technologies are expected to be used for training, maintenance, and identifying potential dangers, providing an immersive and interactive approach to improve efficiency and cost savings.
