5 Exciting Ways Airports will Change in Future

Air travel helps people and goods travel safely between sometimes far distances, at the fraction of the time it takes any other type of transport. It’s one of the great engineering achievements of the 20th Century. Think of the ancient sailing ships fraught with the dangers and health risks of lengthy time spent at sea, or the far away inaccessible places that are now easy to visit by plane. It’s safe to say that travel by air has revolutionised the way we do life, business and leisure, and opened up new worlds of possibilities!

Airports make air travel possible, and it’s thanks to transport engineers that they do this job well. Airports are also often on the forefront of innovative technological advancements. Here’s how airports might change in future, according to Lithon CEO, Gert Maritz.

  • Automation for All

Airports can be busy and stressful places. Nobody likes standing in long queues, especially when they’re late for a flight! Airports of the future are set to become more efficient and passenger-friendly with the help of self-service kiosks, automated security screenings, and even driverless transport systems zipping around the airport. The airport experience will become easier and more enjoyable for everyone, turning airports into destinations themselves.

  • The Ultimate Passenger Experience

Airports of the future will make passengers feel like VIPs even without a first class ticket! They’ll strive to provide an enhanced passenger experience with more personalised services and amenities. Imagine on-demand food and beverage delivery, personalised wayfinding to help you navigate the airport, and even virtual reality entertainment to enjoy while you wait for your next flight. 

  • Sustainability Focus

As concerns about climate change continue to grow, airports will prioritise sustainability in their operations and infrastructure. This means investing in renewable energy sources like solar power, putting green building technologies into practice, and reducing carbon emissions. The adoption of electric ground support equipment, energy-efficient lighting, and innovative waste management solutions will contribute to more planet-friendly airports. Some airports will also incorporate green elements like living walls and gardens, to improve air quality and bring nature inside. Imagine seeing a beautiful orchid garden (as you’ll find in Singapore’s Changi Airport) as you rush between terminals!

  • High-tech but Invisible Security

Airports will need to adapt to evolving security threats by implementing more advanced security measures. Technology will help airports provide safe environments for passengers without the intrusive nature of conventional security measures. Picture even more advanced biometric identification systems (fingerprint or facial recognition), artificial intelligence-based threat detection, and advanced scanning technologies. 

  • Touchless Technology 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made contactless technology more popular than ever, and it’s not going away anytime soon. From touchless check-ins and boarding processes to biometric identification and contactless payment options, the future of airports will focus on keeping things clean and safe by reducing the need for physical contact. 

 

Need Help Adapting to Future Changes?

As transport engineers, we’re always thinking about how we can help keep cities, people, and economies moving better and faster than ever before!  Our transport engineering team would love to talk to you about bringing your next transport-oriented project to life. To get in touch with us, please email info@lithon.com