Airport operations and aviation traffic has witnessed a major challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic stress and is undergoing several developments to enhance their services and meet the passengers’ demands along with maintaining social distancing. To curb the virus spread and ensure safe flights, governments have started deploying some technology-driven strategies to remodel the existential airport infrastructure.
Niti Pawar  |Â
May 02, 2022
Technology has always upgraded for the betterment of humankind to make things easier, especially during the unprecedented Covid-19 chaos. It is an armor that has given everyone hope to brave the situation and fight the spread of the contagion. Several governments across the world deployed UV based disinfecting systems to disinfect highly contacted surfaces, HVAC systems with the carbon-level-monitored fresh air control system, and many other advanced technologies to curb the virus spread.
Moreover, governments have also initiated rebuilding airports and creating a smart infrastructure to reduce human intervention and long queues for security checks. Additionally, according to market analysts, the global smart airport market is estimated to surpass $9,522.8 million and grow at a 20.1% CAGR during the 2020-2027 forecast timeframe.
Considering this immense growth and development, it is essential to understand some government-deployed futuristic technologies for building a smart airport. Let’s explore 3 cutting-edge approaches that have made tiresome security checks, identity verification processes, etc. smarter.
Which Strategies are Contributing to the Making of Smart Airport?
Here are 3 intuitive technology-based strategies that may help in remodeling the existing airport infrastructure to give a smarter touch.
- Facial Recognition
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus and ensure contactless intervention, airports have started deploying facial recognition technology at checkpoints like airport entry, security checks, etc. Customers can enroll for this technology using government ID proofs and valid flight tickets to automatically process their entry. Furthermore, to ensure privacy, the passengers’ biometric data automatically gets erased by the system after the flight departure.
- Common Usage Self-service (CUSS) Machines
Another technology that is greatly reducing human intervention at the airports is the common usage self-service (CUSS) machines that can be used to print the boarding passes to cut the check-in time. Passengers can also print out the bag tags from these machines to put it on their luggage at the self-baggage drop kiosks. These kiosks greatly minimize any physical interaction between the airport security staff and the passenger.
- Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS)
An automatic tray retrieval system (ATRS) is another smart technology used by X-ray machines at airport security checkpoints. The technology enables the machines to dispense approximately 650 trays per hour to allow at max. 4 passengers to put their belongings for screening. What’s even more fascinating is that a diversion belt is attached to the main conveyer belt in case the belongings consist of any prohibited elements. This way, the conveyer belt doesn’t stop at any point and also enhances the overall throughput.
Besides these 3 smart approaches, several airports are also implementing other technologies like intelligent video analytics to alert passengers in case of restricted area intrusions and suspicious loiterers. It also alerts the security guards if tailgating happens. Moreover, vehicle license plate recognition and vehicle location searches also help in traffic management at arrival and departure areas.
Final Thought
The continuous advancements in technologies like facial recognition, common usage self-service machines, and others mentioned above help in managing numerous manual tasks at the airport and greatly reduce the human intervention to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The devastating pandemic has compelled multiple governments to deploy similar innovations by utilizing AI and machine learning algorithms at airports for hassle-free and safe flights.
