Can we ever think of navigating an airport check-in counter without a queue or breezing through security? Airports around the world are upgrading technology to end many such woes. New York’s JFK Airport is working on a $19-billion transformation for the new Terminal One with a 23-gate state-of-the-art terminal for state-of-the-art baggage handling system and new security checkpoints. Pittsburgh International Airport is building a new terminal with more streamlined ticketing stations and baggage claim systems.
In July, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) introduced a new smart security screening system at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The new system will be put into service in phases but HKIA will be the world’s first to operate smart security screening channels in the entire airport. Passengers using the new smart security screening channels can keep their electronic devices, including laptop computers and mobile phones, as well as liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on luggage, without having to take them out for screening as required by existing protocol. The streamlined procedure is enabled by the latest 3D and 360-degree CT-based X-ray scanning technology, as opposed to the existing system’s 2D capability. The new system also includes other passenger-friendly functions like auto tray recirculation, in-built tray sterilisation, and automatic alert to passengers for uncollected items on the tray.
“The upgraded security screening not only enhances overall screening performance, but makes mandatory airport procedures pleasant to passengers, with the existing aviation security standards and requirements remaining intact,” says Steven Yiu, executive director, airport operations, AAHK. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of the busiest international hubs in China, is soon installing SITA’s common-use self-service bag drops (SBD) and kiosks for foreign airlines and their passengers to speed up passenger processing. SITA Airport IT specialises in innovative and cost-efficient communication and IT solutions for the aviation industry. There will be deployment of 52 kiosks and 14 SBDs across the airport, allowing international passengers to independently check in early before counters open. Sumesh Patel, president, SITA APAC, says, “As air travel booms globally, and airports see a massive surge in travellers, there is an increased need for technology that can speed up the boarding process, reducing delays and traffic for passengers.”
Even airlines are pitching in. British Airways (BA) has unveiled a $8.9-billion investment in artificial intelligence-aided baggage handling, and a new website. Back home, Kempegowda International Airport is preparing for a Rs 200-crore overhaul of its air traffic control facilities to integrate advanced technologies. Delhi International Airport, a GMR airport infrastructure-led consortium, opened its revamped Terminal 1 last month with ‘Q Buster-Mobile Check-in service’ for enhanced pax experience. This will help passengers avoid long queues at check in counters, besides automated tray retrieval system, aerobridges, check-in counters including self baggage drop kiosks, etc. Recently, Adani Airports Holdings (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, launched an app, aviio, to access real-time data and updates on security checks, wait times, gate change and bags on belts. “This app is all set to transform the way passengers transit through airports. It will help AAHL improve capacity planning, operational efficiencies and real-time resource management” says Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL.
The government’s DigiYatra facility using facial recognition technology to streamline terminal entry and security clearance at airports is now available at nine Airport Authority of India (AAI) airports — Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Dabolim, Indore, Bagdogra, Ranchi, Patna, Raipur and Visakhapatnam — for contactless experience at entry points, security checks, and aircraft boarding making the process hassle-free and paperless.
