Airports of the Future: Streamlined Security Clearance, Increased Comforts, and Possibly Just a Very Cool Place to Wine, Dine, and Shop

NEW YORK, July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Consumers looking for a great location with a selection of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping on a Saturday night may soon find themselves heading to their local airports. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the number of air travelers is expected to double to a staggering 7.8 billion by 2038. So how will airports be able to accommodate this level of traffic without insane delays and hassles? Moreover, will airports of the future be able to capitalize on the increased traffic flow and transform itself into a destination of the future? Will nearby hotels with cityscape views be replaced with onsite hotels with direct views of the runway? According to experts who sat down with ExpertFlyer.com, the answer is a resounding yes.

While experts each have their opinions about how airports will transform themselves for the future, they all agree that Technology, in a word, will be the catalyst for success. According to Dr. Joe Leader, CEO of the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), biometric facial recognition, fingerprint ID, and RFID tags for luggage will all work in tandem to provide a seamless, end-to-end security protocol to effectively "push" large volumes of travelers safely to their destinations. "If you look at the greatest pain point for passengers, it's typically the security lines, passport control, and baggage claim," explains Dr. Leader during his in-depth podcast with ExpertFlyer. "Among all the new technologies being deployed, I think passengers will really love the RFID tags for tracking luggage. Many airline apps do this now but starting next year the service will be mandatory for all airlines."

"The use of biometrics technology will continue to contribute to greater efficiency related to security bottlenecks," says Sherry Stein, Senior Manager of Projects & Innovation at Sita Lab. Solutions like SITA's Smart PathTM allow airlines and airports to incorporate biometrics into an end-to-end process for passenger facilitation including check-in, self-bag drop, TSA checkpoint, and boarding.

Most experts agree that "known traveler" programs such as TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry, will continue to grow in popularity. Collaboration and cooperation between airline, airport, and government agencies will continue to build a stronger foundation for delivering stellar service to the Connected Traveler.

Many major airports today have hotels collocated and, along with fine dining options and high-end retail outlets, they themselves have become a destination. New airport construction projects such as those in Beijing, Dubai, and Istanbul promise to offer similar visions and services that will make travelers want to arrive early, enjoy the facilities, and forget they are en route to another destination."

According to Scott Amyx, thought leader and author on exponential technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is a massive transformation forthcoming at airports. "Select airports will not only support international and domestic travel, but also interstellar travel. This is the mission of SpaceX to not only launch cargo, but also passengers. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Branson's Virgin Galactica are also developing consumer options in space travel."

"Technology continues to be the impetus for improvements in airline travel at all levels and locations," explains Chris Lopinto, president and co-founder of ExpertFlyer.com. "From airline designs to modernized airports with safe, streamlined security processes and amenities typically found only in shopping malls and downtown entertainment districts."

To learn more about how airports are shaping up for the future and listen to the podcast with Dr. Joe Leader from the APEX, visit ExpertFlyer's blog.

About The Airline Passenger Experience (APEX)
APEX encompasses a network of businesses and professionals that are committed to providing a world-class airline experience for passengers around the globe. As a non-profit, APEX reinvests all of its resources to better serve its members. Every day, APEX members evaluate the passenger experience through an influential community and are improving every aspect of the airline experience: from designing, building and installing seating, entertainment and communications systems on commercial aircraft, to airport lounges and inflight dining. For more than four decades, APEX has worked to strengthen the industry and enable business opportunities through education, innovation, networking and recognition.

About SITA
SITA is the communications and IT solution provider that transforms air travel through technology for airlines, at airports and on aircraft. The company's portfolio covers everything from managed global communications and infrastructure services, to eAircraft, passenger management, baggage, self-service, airport and border management solutions. Owned 100% by more than 400 air transport industry members, SITA has a unique understanding of its needs and places a strong emphasis on technology innovation.

Nearly every airline and airport in the world does business with SITA and its border management solutions are used by more than 30 governments. With a presence at more than 1,000 airports around the world and a customer service team of 2,000+ staff, SITA delivers unmatched service to more than 2,800 customers in more than 200 countries.

In 2017, SITA had consolidated revenues of US$1.6 billion. SITA's subsidiaries and joint ventures include SITAONAIR, CHAMP Cargosystems and Aviareto.

For further information, go to http://www.sita.aero

About ExpertFlyer.com
Each month, ExpertFlyer's One-on-One blog goes face-to-face with the travel industry's leading decision makers to discuss and address topics relevant to many of today's business and frequent travelers.

ExpertFlyer.com was conceived and created by an eclectic team consisting of a veteran elite tier frequent flyer, an airline captain and corporate travel manager, and information technology professionals to deliver a 24/7 real time powerful air travel information service. The company provides its subscribers and corporate travel managers alike with a complete, concise and efficient way to access the ever-changing details of worldwide air travel information. For more information, please visit expertflyer.com.

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SOURCE ExpertFlyer.com

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