By Saravanan Annadurai
Waiting at the airport can be frustrating, and with air passenger numbers expected to reach 8.2 billion by 2037 (from 2.8 billion in 2023), efficiency is crucial. To tackle increasing wait times, the game-changing use of airside data is set to transform the passenger experience.
What is Airside Data?
Airside data encompasses a treasure trove of information generated within the airport premises, ranging from aircraft movements and gate utilization to security wait times and baggage handling. By tapping into this wealth of data, airports can make informed decisions to streamline operations and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Recent studies show an average 15% reduction in passenger wait times at airports which adopt this approach. A report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that strategic use of airside data can significantly enhance the overall traveller experience.
Exploring five key areas within airports reveals the transformative impact of airside data, showcasing opportunities to significantly enhance the traveller experience. These include:
Gate Optimization: Implementing real-time monitoring of gate utilization based on historical data can lead to a significant reduction in boarding times, resulting in quicker turnarounds and improved on-time performance without compromising safety measures.
Dynamic Security Screening: To alleviate stress for passengers during security screening, consider implementing dynamic security screening procedures using airside data. This approach can result in a notable reduction in peak-hour waiting times, providing a smoother journey through security.
Enhanced Baggage Handling: Optimize baggage handling processes by utilizing real-time tracking of baggage movements based on historical data. This can lead to more accurate predictions of arrival times at the baggage carousel and contribute to an overall smoother travel experience.
Parking Lot Management: Improve the entire passenger journey by efficiently managing parking facilities through the use of airside data. Analysing historical data on peak travel times and parking utilization can inform dynamic pricing models and optimized shuttle services, resulting in a decrease in passenger wait times from the parking lot to the terminal.
Retail and Lounge Utilization: Extend the benefits of airside data beyond operational aspects to enhance the passenger experience in retail and lounge areas. Utilize data analytics to understand passenger preferences and traffic patterns, enabling a personalized and efficient shopping experience and reducing waiting times at airport lounges through improved resource allocation.
The Way Forward
As we step into a new era of air travel, the harnessing of airside data is becoming a standard practice worldwide. Beyond just reducing passenger wait times, this approach contributes to operational efficiency and resource optimization.
Looking ahead, advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning will further amplify the impact of airside data analytics. Predictive modelling can anticipate passenger flows, allowing airports to address congestion points proactively.
In essence, the ongoing transformation of passenger waiting times through the strategic use of airside data is a journey into a new era of air travel. Supported by compelling statistics and practical examples, this shift promises concrete advantages for both passengers and airports alike. Drawing on my 13 years in the travel domain, I eagerly anticipate the positive changes on the horizon, marking progress towards improved efficiency and heightened passenger satisfaction
(The author is Sr. Principal – Tech Program Management, Sabre, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
