In the last year, the aviation industry has not only seen an increase in airport traffic rising towards pre-pandemic levels, but also evolving consumer expectations. As digital tools and emerging technologies impact almost every aspect of day-to-day life (from shopping to banking to healthcare), consumers demand a more seamless, automated and tech-centric experience as they travel. Security systems integrators should be turning their attention towards implementing digitally enhanced and touchless tools to increase efficiency—things like reducing wait times and pain points at baggage and security checkpoints, for example. In the coming decade, it’s imperative that airport security integrators and executives alike can ensure that they are integrating these cutting-edge technologies into their security systems. To accommodate for the 4.46 billion passengers projected to travel domestically this year alone, integrating these enhanced digital tools will prove critical to maintaining speed, efficiency and—most importantly—safety.
To accomplish this, it’s critical to consider the ongoing updates that are needed to ensure security systems are working properly. It’s also important to think about the advanced data that integrators require in order to strategically analyze and predict outcomes based on behavioral histories, such as foot traffic and check-in and boarding times. While keeping these considerations top of mind, there are key technologies that should be blended to effectively create a safe and digitally enhanced environment to protect customers’ safety and experience.Enhancing Identity Verification to Improve Security
Airports are complex environments to secure and oversee—particularly when it comes to access, authentication, and data security. In the effort to mitigate these threats and create a more secure airport experience, security integrators should prioritize the implementation of identity verification technology. Delta, for example, has recently launched a digital identity program that leverages face scanning technology, giving passengers the option to self-check bags through security and self-board domestic flights in a seamless, contactless manner, while securely and efficiently verifying their identity. As this technology continues to develop, customers will not only be provided with a streamlined experience, but they will also feel confident that their safety is a priority and that their private information remains secure.
Implementing Emerging Technology for Seamless Experiences
Digital transformation efforts have quickly gone from a nice-to-have to a necessity for passenger and employee experiences, and it’s estimated that businesses globally will allocate $2.4 trillion towards this initiative by 2024. For security integrators and airports, this means that a digital transformation should focus on upgrading systems that can reduce traffic, eliminate barriers for travelers, and ensure that health and safety are a top priority. With the necessary digital integrations, efficiency and passenger flow can be boosted while keeping passengers well informed and maintaining a seamless end-to-end customer journey. For example, with the integration of mobile devices at every step, passengers are notified about any flight changes via SMS. They are able to pass through security stations in a touchless, paperless way without causing delays or added frustration. In addition, with the use of mobile-centric systems, sensitive information is more secure, but health and safety measures, such as social distancing, can be enforced to keep both passengers and employees safe.
Predicting Potential Threats and Passenger Behaviors with Advanced Data Capabilities
As part of this digital transformation effort, integrating machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can unlock advanced analytics that forecasts the probabilities of potential security breaches and cyberattacks, as well as new passenger behaviors. By leveraging AI and ML systems that can automatically collect data throughout a passenger’s journey, from check-in and boarding times to overall foot traffic, airports will have more accurate resources and data to make strategic business decisions that will ultimately improve safety and passenger flow.
Airport experience now needs to go beyond the latest dining options and the most comfortable lounges, and instead focus on security systems, digital integration, and welcoming automation to transform the safety and efficiency of these environments. Ever-evolving security threats to travelers and data and increasing consumer demands for secure and touchless experiences mean that it’s important for integrators and airport executives to take a holistic approach that brings together emerging technologies in order to overcome critical pain points and mitigate potential threats. Further, by implementing these improvements, airports can gain a competitive edge, with the ability to optimize the passenger journey and provide a future-forward airport experience that is safe and secure.
Matt Powell is the Principal of Transportation Markets for Convergint, developing its transportation business since 2014. With over 20 years of experience in security technology, Matt has worked in multiple areas of the technology space, including as the end user, in manufacturing, and in integration. Matt works closely with Convergint’s more than 60 aviation clients to understand trends, concerns, threats, and emerging technologies to address their challenges. He is based in Albuquerque, NM.