Technology Trends that Airports and Airlines should consider in 2022
The Travel and Tourism industry is entering a recovery period after COVID-19. However, in order to return to how it was in the old days, both airlines and airports need to diversify their offers to guests, taking extra caution when it comes to the essential points to be considered. During this period, it is important to adopt new-generation technologies.
In order to offer a better experience to their passengers, there are some important technology trends that airline companies and airports need to pay attention to, certain of which have come to the fore in 2022.
Metaverse Experience
Metaverse is not expected to have any impact on how people travel in the short to medium term. However, as the popularity of this new universe grows with each passing day, the air transport industry needs to remain open minded about the opportunities that can be created. For example, airline companies believe that offering a virtual experience of the destination to consumers before they make a purchase, will put them one step ahead of their competitors.
Digital Experiences while Shopping
The Retail Industry has, for some time, been offering its customers the opportunity to try clothes and accessories digitally. This experience, which makes use of VR and AR technologies, is expected to become widespread in airports in the near future. It is thought that the more frequent use of these technologies will be a good experience, especially for those passengers who have limited time at airports, and will increase sales rates.
Face Recognition Technology
While airports have made use of face recognition technology for the last few years, the use of face masks during the COVID-19 period has made it difficult to benefit from this technology. However, new algorithms are being developed that will allow passengers to complete airport controls without removing their masks. Airport operators who want to offer convenience to their customers should take advantage of this technology.
Contactless Technology and Experiences
While in-flight contactless experiences for passengers have been used for the past few years, it can be said that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this process. Many airlines are now turning to contactless experiences, especially for in-flight entertainment systems. It is becoming increasingly common for passengers to be able to connect their electronic devices, using QR codes, to the seatback screens.
The contactless experience is starting to shape the future of airport retail, as well as airlines. Completely contactless payment points at airports are expected to become widespread in the near future.
Virtual queues
"Virtual queue" applications at airports are becoming more common. This new technology that allows passengers to reserve their place in the queue instead of physically waiting in line, ensures that long lines are eliminated and social distancing is maintained.
Airport operators who have started to try this digital reservation-based system believe that this new technology is helping passengers to save time. Considering the length of the check-in queues, especially in big cities, it seems very likely that more airport operators will adopt this system in the near future.
Are you developing technologies that will drive the Civil Aviation industry?
At İTÜ Çekirdek, the Civil Aviation and Airline Operation Program that was set up in collaboration with İstanbul Airport (iGA), we are looking for entrepreneurs! If you are developing innovative technologies that will advance the Civil Aviation industry, from AI models to machine learning, and which will accelerate digital transformation in the industry, apply now!