In Brisbane Australia, new airport technology, called the Airport Navigation and Information Engine (ANIE), is being tried out for the first time. Siemens invested over $1 million in research and development to get the ball rolling, and Queensland University of Technology, in charge of the Airport Data Repository, also participated in the effort.
The new “Airport of the Future” supports a fully integrated control system that will keep passengers safe while ensuring shorter lines. The system aims to speedily resolve problems between security officers and passengers, and balance commercial interests with government requirements and passenger safety.
Better Travel Experience Targeted
Currently passengers encounter slow security lines and check-ins. The ANIE integrates technology with current systems while simplifying security measures, making the airport experience much less of a hassle for passengers. Australian airline Qantas CEO Alan Joyce says that with the Airport of the Future, checking in, claiming baggage and going through security will be much more efficient and speedy.
The technology used to increase speed and efficiency will also provide information for seven research programs on various airport operations, including security and passenger satisfaction. The Airport Data Repository will synchronize, record and store data to help the airport adapt services and processes to best meet customer needs.
Shareholders of Qantas will be happy to know that the integration of all these systems will enable the airport to save a substantial amount of money. This is the first time an airport will use a collection of integrated chips to monitor each department.
Aviation Business believes that Brisbane's airport technology will be a new benchmark for the world.
Technology Behind the Airport of the Future
What makes the “Airport of the Future” so groundbreaking? The technology behind it all is actually very simple: radio frequency identification chips, or RFID chips.
Frequent flyers will be issued new cards that will act as permanent boarding passes. To accompany these new cards are permanent bag tags that will be used when checking in. Both of these will be embedded with the RFID tracking chip, which is already used in many passports throughout the world. These chips include information that help speed up security procedures. Frequent flyers will have the option to track information on their smartphones.
Qantas airline is already looking ahead and examining options that can help speed up its airport baggage delivery service.
Key Statistics – Global Airport Technology Market (source: BCC Research)
- The global market for advanced airport technologies, which exceeded $8.2 billion in 2009 and over $10 billion in 2010, should hit over $13.5 billion in 2015. Over the next five years, a compounded annual growth rate of almost 6% is foreseen.
- Emergency services, including fire and security support, were the largest sector of the global airport technology market in 2009. Despite holding an over 20% share in the market, the segment is expected to have a declining compounded annual growth rate of under -7% in 2015.
- Airport communications, with a five-year CAGR forecast of almost 12%, is a segment that is growing faster than the market. It is expected to grow from $1.5 billion last year to over $2.5 billion in 2015.
