7 Solutions To Improve Airport Operations

Senior executives from some of the world's largest airlines say their top business concern is figuring out how to differentiate themselves more successfully as the airline industry grows more competitive.

On-time delivery has become a crucial selling element in recent years. However, providing travelers with dependable, high-quality service is a significant task because there are various factors that influence on-time performance, many of which are beyond an airline's control.

In this blog, we're going to give a complete rundown of the top 7 solutions to improve airport operations. But before we dive deep, let us first discover how airlines strengthen their operations through excellent airport operations management. Let's begin!

How Major Airlines Improve Their Operations

1. Keep employees updated

Sharing your firm vision with your employees keeps them on track and invested in the results, as any sensible business person understands. Taking the time to connect your performance goals with your entire business is crucial to your operational performance.

Employees that are engaged with your company values have a better understanding of their priorities and more confidence in their decision-making abilities, which is especially crucial for operational teams.

2. Stay in sync with your partners.

Even though you don't have authority over a codeshare or network partner, you shouldn't stop monitoring their performance and strategizing ways to become more synchronized. Your collaborations must support your business aims and complement your network in order to maintain your reputation and overall operating performance.

3. Upgrade your technology

In many business setups, the rising usage of new digital technologies–such as tablets, smartphones, enterprise social networks, and cloud services–has already become standard, and airlines should be no exception.

Businesses in today's digital age have the chance to provide employees with the tools they need to execute their jobs better. By establishing a digital workplace, airlines would be able to centralize corporate-approved technologies, preventing employees from developing their own workarounds, which could result in inconsistencies and inefficiencies.

7 Solutions to Improve Airport Operations

1. Biometrics-based processing

Biometrics-based processing in airports is intended to confirm a traveler's identity by comparing facial scans to passport images already on file. Unique facial traits such as the distance between your eyes, nose, forehead, and chin are used to determine a traveler's identity. 

In essence, a camera takes your picture, which US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) compares to a photo of you that Homeland Security already has. Security, check-in, bag-drop, boarding, and immigration entrance will all involve biometric scanning. The government sees it as a way to support homeland security, defense, and justice missions. 

Furthermore, as new technology allows for more futuristic systems, facial scanning is being used for passenger comfort.

2. Automated retail

Automation is only one of the digital advances that airport retailers are utilizing. These initiatives, such as self-checkout, assure businesses that they will be able to react to changing traveler spending habits both now and in the future.

As the industry gradually opens up, travel businesses will continue their digital pushes, and automation will likely become a fixture rather than a fad. Automated specialty retail will become an essential part of a company's total retail portfolio. This retailing allows visitors to access a broader range of specialty brands while also allowing them to purchase on their own time.

3. Intelligent, autonomous transport

Demographic shifts, increased urbanization, climate change, and the internet revolution are all leading to autonomous machines becoming more accessible and vital than ever before. Autonomous vehicles and systems are receiving a lot of attention in the airport environment. Robotics, self-driving vehicles, airport parking services, airside operations, and drones are all examples of this.

Humans should not be replaced just because of automation. Instead, we expect it to enable humans to take a more proactive role in the airport environment, one that is less focused on monotonous activities and more centered on interacting with consumers and resolving issues.

4. Way-finding for the visually impaired

It is not usually an economically viable approach to try to identify solutions to improve the experience of blind travelers. In many nations, however, all passengers have the legal right to accessible travel.

The travel industry is increasingly becoming more cognizant of accessible travel and mobility, but there is still much that can be done. However, some developments in the travel world may benefit visually impaired and blind travelers, some of which are the consequence of new technologies.

5. Contactless bag drop

The possibilities and benefits of a fully automated check-in and bag-drop system vary. Tamper detection prevents bags from being moved at check-in; double detection, which ensures every bag is checked; and motion detection, which monitors for the presence of a kid or passenger on the conveyor, are just a few of the safety and security features.

Once inside the terminal, the customer will scan their boarding card at a contactless self-service kiosk, pick up a baggage tag, and tag their bags before heading to the airline counter to drop off their luggage. Passengers will be able to print and tag their luggage at the assisted bag-drop counter.

6. Offsite tagging

Companies now offer solutions that allow passengers to identify themselves using their boarding pass and then print off their bag tags, which can be installed either at the terminal or offsite. In principle, a customer who has checked in online may park their car in an airport parking lot, print and affix their luggage tags, and then drop off their bag at the terminal.

This envisions a more straightforward and seamless airport experience.

Final Thoughts

Technology is here to stay, and it can immensely help airport companies in improving their operations. In today's air transportation system, efficient airport operations are critical. The increasing number of flights and air travelers puts a strain on airport operations, which must maintain punctuality, performance, and safety.

Using technology to manage integrated airport operations is a critical step forward in making the best use of all airport resources and facilities, reducing aircraft turnaround times and flight delays, and ensuring airport capacity reliability at peak hours and under varying constraints.