In response to the rise in demand for contactless services within airports LocusLabs, the indoor mapping services provider, has partnered with Grab, the largest e-commerce platform for airports worldwide to provide a fully integrated mobile ordering platform.
The integration allows travellers to find food vendors near their location in an airport terminal, place a mobile order, and use step-by-step wayfinding to navigate to the vendor, all within a browser window on a mobile device without having to download a dedicated mobile application. Grab’s e-commerce platform connects participating airport restaurants and stores to travellers and enables contactless ordering and payments, providing an efficient process that reduces the spread of germs by minimising human interaction.
“We’re pleased to partner with LocusLabs and Grab to maintain safety, improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience at LaGaurdia Terminal B and across our broader network of airports,” said Steve Thody, Senior Director, Project Initiatives, Vantage Airport Group. The airport operator’s network includes regional hubs in Cyprus, Jamaica, Canada and the US.
“As our work on a contactless airport journey, from digital wayfinding and signage to hands-free ordering and payment, was already underway prior to COVID-19, Vantage and its partners are well positioned to help travellers navigate the new reality of air travel precipitated by the pandemic,” Thody added.
Airports can use QR codes on signage throughout the terminal to promote food, retail and service options. Once scanned the app automatically launches a map experience that surfaces the locations of restaurants and shops that allows travellers to place their mobile order through Grab.
Commenting on how the integration will benefit airports and passengers alike Jeff Livney, Chief Experience Officer at Grab, said: “Our combined technology minimises staff and passenger interaction to give both groups peace of mind, reducing the burden on the airport team and information desk, and helping people to social distance.”
