The evolving behavioural patterns of passengers as a result of the global pandemic has led to a need for airports to reduce points of physical contact and address areas where space is restricted to help ensure the wellbeing of passengers and staff.
EUROCONTROL has already said that with health and safety a top priority across the global travel sector, airports need to focus on reducing the impact of space constraints across their facilities. In a study published in September, EUROCONTROL highlighted that for the same passenger numbers in a pre-COVID queue 50% more space is now required at check-in, while 100% more space is needed at security control and immigration.
Addressing the issue of space constraints in airports, travel technology specialist Amadeus is already engaged in a significant number of projects globally, that are aimed at reducing congestion in airports by implementing contactless technology and fostering a more streamlined passenger experience.
Current projects include deploying biometric boarding capabilities at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in the US and facilitating a completely touchless experience across 20 of Norway’s airports.
In a recent study commissioned by Amadeus more than 6,000 travellers across France, Germany, India, Singapore, the UK and the US were quizzed on their concerns around air travel in light of COVID-19 and the technologies the industry can leverage to boost confidence and accelerate demand.
More than four in five (84%) travellers said technology would increase their confidence to travel in the next 12 months by addressing concerns around mixing with crowds, social distancing and physical touchpoints. More than a third (36%) said self-service check-in would increase confidence to travel in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 34% of travellers surveyed said biometrics that enable check-in, pass-through security and boarding without the need for physical checks would make them more likely to travel.
I’m firmly in the ‘say yes to biometrics’ camp. I signed my face away on social media a long time ago, so COVID or no COVID anything that helps reduce pressure points in an airport gets my vote!
For more insights from Amadeus make sure you subscribe now to receive your complimentary copy of the upcoming issue of Regional Gateway. It features Bruno Spada, Amadeus’s Executive VP Airport IT, explaining how the cloud can help regional airports respond to COVID-19.
Have a great weekend,
Chloë Greenbank
Editor, Regional Gateway
