The volunteers, who all registered back in November 2024, were tasked with acting as passengers for six simulated flights, exploring the new terminal and helping Lithuanian Airports assess their readiness for the terminal’s opening.
Explaining that the terminal will double Vilnius Airport’s passenger capacity, Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports said: “Our goal is to ensure an exceptional passenger experience in parallel.”
Thanking the volunteers for their input in contributing to ensuring the terminal is ready for operations, he added: “Their authentic experience and feedback will allow us to evaluate the terminal’s performance under high-demand conditions, address any issues, and implement improvements. This is the first time in airport history we’ve involved the public in such a complex and unique project.”
Testing began with the check-in process where the volunteers trialled self-service options including bag drop. They then navigated through the security screening zone and boarding gates for Schengen-area passengers making use of the airport’s new state-of-the-art equipment and technological upgrades, including a Rapiscan computed tomography (CT) scanner for baggage. Approximately 140 airport staff and partners, including aviation security officers, ground handling representatives and customs officials simulated real operational processes.
The new terminal will see Vilnius’ passenger capacity double from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour.
Giedrium Paulikaitis, Head of Technology Development at Lithuanian Airports noted: “Our main challenge was integrating various systems to function like a living organism, with artificial intelligence playing a crucial role. The innovations are designed to help passengers and their baggage move through the airport more quickly, safelty and comfortably.”
The mass testing, he concluded, has enabled staff to apply new skills and knowledge in a real working environment.