Author: Jennifer Goforth Gregory
Date published: October 1, 2024
Behind the scenes, airports rely on many different processes, such as ticketing, security, baggage, food services and parking to work together to create a safe, easy, positive and on-time experience. To deliver this, airport leaders are turning to connected technologies to create a smart airport that provides more efficient and streamlined airport operations.
MarketsandMarkets Research predicts that the smart airports market will reach $8.3 billion by 2027, up from $7 billion in 2022 at a 3.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Here's why smart airport solutions are helping to set a glide path for future growth.
A smart airport, also referred to as an intelligent airport, uses digital technologies to transform key business processes, improve security and increase operational agility. These digital technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI)—collect near real-time data that, through advanced analytics, allow airport leaders to make faster, more informed decisions.
For example, according to InnovationHongKong®, Hong Kong International Airport has transformed into a smart airport by applying new digital processes throughout the passenger journey. When a passenger checks in at a self-serve kiosk, they are assigned a flight token that combines biometric identification technology with the storage of travel documents. Equipped with this token, passengers enjoy a seamless journey through ticketing, baggage, security and boarding, without having to show identification or travel documents again. Behind the scenes, the airport uses robotics for stacking and handling luggage to improve efficiency, while autonomous vehicles on the tarmac and other areas of the airport free up humans to handle higher-level customer-facing tasks.
Smart airports are not created with a single type of technology. Instead, airport leaders employ a range of technologies integrated to digitalize processes and collect data to use in operations. Common technologies include:
While airports have been using self-serve kiosks for years, an intelligent airport takes automation to the next level. Airport automated baggage systems can help improve efficiency, such as Southwest Airlines' new sorter technology at Denver Airport. The system features an advanced IT management system, a diagnostic system and flow management software for intelligent routing.
Because of its ability to provide insights and predictions, AI can be the foundation of a smart airport. AI can help predict congestion in the terminal based on flight and passenger data to open additional lanes, corridors or trams. Airports can apply biometrics to smooth the customer's journey. For example, some airlines use biometric identification technology at security checkpoints to allow passengers to board select international flights without providing boarding documentation. Passengers scan their boarding pass, face and passport before travel, then Smart Bio-Pod cameras verify a passenger's identity in less than 3 seconds.
By collecting data from sensors, airports now have a high volume of data in near real-time to improve operations. Many airports use IoT devices to track baggage locations, which can help reduce lost bags and ease customer frustration. Other uses include determining traffic congestion in the airport based on sensor data and identifying open seats on planes. Operations are streamlined as management systems automatically direct passengers to the shortest queues.
To take advantage of these innovative technologies, airports require as near to real-time data as possible to stay on top of constantly changing conditions and to maintain high safety standards. Additionally, smart airport solutions require reliable connectivity in its locations, including the terminal, tarmac, remote areas of the runways and parking lots. A private 5G network can provide secure, reliable connectivity to ensure smooth operations and 5G edge computing provides the low latency needed for near real-time data to help inform proactive and predictive maintenance to help reduce aircraft downtimes.
Intelligent airports can see significant benefits, from improved passenger experience to greater efficiency. Airports are filled with friction points, from checking bags, going through security, navigating flight connections and even finding your gate. IoT can enable airports to optimize line lengths and control runway lighting, while autonomous vehicles can speed up luggage transfer and help passengers make connecting flights. Through automation and data collection, smart airports can eliminate many previously manual tasks in both operations and passenger experience. For example, minimizing errors, such as lost bags, helps save airport employees' time.
Airport leaders could view a smart airport as a large transformation. However, airports can begin moving toward digital transformation by deploying an infrastructure to support their needs and then implementing use cases incrementally. Achieve Enterprise Intelligence by establishing a new kind of relationship between your airport and your network. Unify disconnected parts of your business to gain smarter insights for more informed decision-making to help prioritize future smart airport initiatives.
Customers' expectations will continue to grow as more and more airports move toward adopting intelligent airport technology. Learn how Verizon can help support your transformation into a smart airport.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.