Smart Airport: Industry outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic
What makes the airport smart?
The smart airport includes a variety of technologies operated through efficient technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT). Considering the future potential of smart airports, companies are focusing on bringing out efficient technologies to maintain a high user base.
Digital technology has changed the outlook of everything today. People are rapidly adapting to the digital world, be it in the case of automotive, healthcare, or consumer goods. However, the digitization of airports is no surprise. It has become necessary for airports to maintain excellent infrastructure. It enables billions of travelers to have a comfortable journey without any hassles.
Innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger traffic declined drastically. However, it became necessary for the service providers to take efficient measures to ensure safety for the travelers. Various innovations have been registered during the pandemic. Even though the hospitality sector witnessed a significant decline, technological advancements emerged rapidly.
Passenger traffic is rapidly growing on a regular basis. It will ultimately increase the demand to implement advanced technologies, such as electronics and control systems, robotics, data analytics, etc. It will also reduce the cost of labor and provide an efficient consumer experience.
Digital technologies help airport operators to obtain efficient ways to manage the growing passenger and cargo traffic and enhance end-to-end passenger handling.
Launches and Partnerships
Recently, in January 2021, SITA, in partnership with Etihad Airways, unveiled an advanced entry and exit system based on biometrics. This system is installed in the Crew Briefing Center (CBC) at Abu Dhabi Airport. The innovation aims to reduce by enabling facial recognition technology. In addition, it reduces the risk associated with COVID-19 virus spread.
In 2020, Dallas Airport launched ‘Smart Bathrooms’ facilities for passengers to boost the safety from Covid-19. The bathrooms have included exterior monitors that will show how many stalls are available. Thus, it helps travelers to avoid waiting time inside the cramped space. Such innovations during COVID-19 have raised awareness among the general public. As a result, the global smart airport industry will witness favorable growth in the coming years.
In 2020, United Airlines made an announcement that the firm has added 219 touchless check-in kiosks in the various airports of the United States. This initiative was a part of the CleanPlus strategy, developed to offer efficient risk-free services to travelers during the pandemic. The kiosks are designed to offer luggage tags and boarding passes to the passengers once they have scanned their digital or printed passes.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Future of the Smart Airport Industry
Based on the current situation, the majority of airports have installed IoT-based solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Recently, a new online inspection system gained high user attention. The system includes a tool for the grounds staff that is connected to the Internet and has GPS functionality.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for efficient technologies has been increased significantly. It has raised awareness about digitalization. Thus, the global smart airport market will witness substantial growth. Astute Analytica estimates that the global smart airport market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2027.
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