29.05.2008
New wireless technology makes travelling more flexible and comfortable for passengers
As the first airport in the world, Copenhagen Airport, the IT University of Copenhagen and a number of partners are testing a new, wireless technology designed to help reduce the number of delays and ensure that passengers can begin their trip in a more secure and comfortable way. Both passengers, airlines and the airport see a number of possibilities in the new technology.
Over the next six months, Copenhagen Airports, the IT University and the other partners will be testing a new wireless technology every third week on SAS departures. Early in the morning of Thursday, 15 May, passengers heading for Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, were met by staff wearing orange T-shirts reading “Gatecaller” at the check-in desks. The so-called Gatecaller is a system used at the gates that provides a here-and-now picture of where in the airport each passenger is located.
A calmer airport in the longer term
Approximately 107 passengers on board SAS flight SK7763 volunteered for the day’s test and received a small, credit-card sized plastic card which was attached to their clothes when they had given their mobile phone number. When the passengers move around in the airport, the card sends signals which are captured by the 25 antennas in central locations of the airport. This means that the gate staff can see whether a passenger is about to be late for his or her flight, whether the passenger is near the gate, or whether the passenger’s baggage should be off-loaded in order to avoid a flight delay. This will substantially reduce the number of flight delays due to passengers arriving late at the gate.
“We will achieve a much calmer atmosphere in the airport by using this technology as it will minimise the approximately 300 daily announcements. In the longer term, the gate staff can send texts to late passengers or make an announcement only in the area where the passenger is located, which would reduce the noise level at the airport and make the atmosphere calmer," said Henrik Bjørner Søe, Marketing Manager at Copenhagen Airports A/S.
A more secure and comfortable start for passengers
One of the passengers who volunteered for the day’s test was Jim Andersen of Hellerup, Denmark.
"I think it is quite harmless. I actually forgot that I had the chip in my pocket. I certainly see the potential of the technology. For instance, it can help ensure that passengers go to the right gate in time. I would also imagine that I would use the option of receiving a text with travel tips for my destination if I did not bring a guidebook with me,” said Andersen.
Just like Jim Andersen, other travellers also see the benefits of the technology and do not mind that the airport staff can follow their way around the airport. The survey showed that 74% out of 800 respondents had a positive attitude to the technology, and 60% of them said that they would feel more secure about making their flight.
The system will be made more sophisticated over time
“Today, we have seen a demonstration of how the new wireless technology gives gate staff a better picture of where passengers are in the airport. In addition, it makes passengers feel more secure if they know that they will receive a text or a call if they are about to be late at the gate. We have seen proof that the technology works in practice; we are now going to further develop the system so that passengers see it as an advantage. One of the things we are working on is a service which passengers can register for if they want information about their destination, such as weather conditions, restaurants or sights,” said Henrik Bjørner Søe.
Passenger feedback is very valuable
It is crucial to the IT University to see how the wireless technology works in practice.
“It is very important to us as researchers to get into contact with the end users of such a complex system as the one we are developing here. You cannot just stay back at school and imagine how the system will work in practice. The reactions of passengers and airport staff to the technology have confirmed that we are on the right track with what we are doing,” said John Paulin Hansen, Associate Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen about the test.
A simpler and more flexible trip
SAS also sees great potential in the new technology in the longer term.
“We at SAS participate in the test and follow developments closely as we are interested in all new technologies which can make travelling simpler and more flexible for our passengers. We wish to be leading in the area at all times. Our passengers currently have the option of checking in on their mobile phone, and we are testing finger-print identification for domestic flights at the moment. We are therefore pleased to see the favourable test results for the new technology. SAS would have more on-time departures if more passengers reach the gate in time and without stress. Approximately 4% of all SAS flights out of Copenhagen are currently delayed for that reason,” said Lars Bording, Sales and Marketing Director at SAS.
A few minutes before departure, there are still four red dots on the screen indicating where the last passengers are located. Initially, the gate staff will send a text and follow up with a mobile call. Right before the doors are closed, the family is seen running to the gate, and the flight can now take off for Sharm el Sheikh.
Caption: A screen from the test. The red dots show passengers who are far away from the gate even though the flight is boarding. A delay can be avoided by sending these four passengers a text or making a mobile phone call to them.