A bright future for the aviation industry in the new decade.

Technology will play an increasingly significant role at airports over the next 10 years and will be a key driver in creating the best travel experiences for customers. Nina Brooks, Director of Security, IT support for the Airports Council International (ACI), stated: "Today's technological innovations are particularly crucial to how an airport operates because global passenger numbers are expected to multiply exponentially by 2040."

Passenger identification using biometrics.

This technology allows airports to verify passenger identities at departure gates through fingerprints and facial features. Singapore's Changi Airport recently began testing this technology at Terminal 4, allowing passengers to bypass passports at departure gates. Instead, the airport will identify passengers using close-up facial scanners. British Airways has also recently installed biometric technology on all domestic flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 5.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve airport operations, especially for large airports with huge passenger volumes. Starting this year, British Airways is testing robots at Heathrow Terminal 5. These robots interact with passengers in multiple languages ​​and can answer dozens of questions related to flight information. They can even move around the terminal and guide customers to service areas and provide advice.

High-end aviation applications

It wouldn't be far-fetched to see passengers in 10 years able to access weather information, departure gates, and recommendations for nearby restaurants and cafes through mobile apps. With the increasing prevalence of mobile apps and the development of smartphones, everything passengers need at the airport will be conveniently available on their personal phones. New York Airport authorities are considering providing an app that allows passengers to order food and items for delivery directly to the airport. Furthermore, providing free Wi-Fi on airplanes will become commonplace worldwide.

Automation is gradually replacing humans.

With the development of machinery, ground handling equipment at airports will be automated instead of relying on human labor as before, including ramps, jet bridges, and trucks for transporting goods and baggage. Last year, Heathrow tested automated ramps, and Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport in Manitoba, Canada, also introduced the first automated snowplow in North America. In addition, systems for transporting baggage from aircraft to conveyor belts and then to passengers are also gradually being replaced by specialized machinery.

My Tong