This year, there have been impressive advancements in the aviation industry.
Airports around the world are becoming increasingly adept at using technology to broaden their appeal to passengers of different ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds, all in the attempt at creating the smoothest journey possible.
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But beyond their daily operations, airports are also waking up to the threat of climate change: whether it’s rising sea levels, their role in help and rescue once disaster strikes, or their part in the migration crisis, aviation hubs are stepping up their game.
Finally, this year has also brought impressive designs to the fore. Turkey’s Istanbul New Airport opened to much fanfare, while Dubai set a new standard for green airports by incorporating new data analytics and smart building technology.
Lastly, we review the world’s most luxurious airport lounges in a special photo feature.
Read the issue in full here.
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By GlobalDataIn this issue
Smart environments: how airports use tech to welcome special needs passengers
Worldwide, airports are constantly adapting to accommodate passengers with a range of hidden disabilities. From smart glasses for blind travellers to sensory rooms for passengers with autism, Eva Grey explores the resourceful initiatives helping make air travel a more manageable experience.
Read the article here.
My first airport: should aviation hubs do more to appeal to children?
Flying can still be a traumatic experience for children and families. Joe Baker finds out how airports are factoring a younger demographic into their designs and services, and what the potential commercial benefits are.
Read the article here.
Digital tech aims to de-stress the pet transport experience
Unisys has unveiled Digi-Pet, a new solution that allows pet owners to monitor their pets while in transit. With the announcement following a spate of pet safety incidents on US airlines, Chris Lo finds out how the app could help.
Read the article here.
Sky high: measuring customer satisfaction at airports
The results of the ACI Airport Service Quality customer satisfaction survey make interesting reading. Adele Berti finds out more from Antoine Rostworowski, deputy director general, programmes and services at ACI World.
Read the article here.
When disaster strikes: role of aviation in humanitarian logistics
After a devastating past year, humanitarian tragedies show no signs of slowing, which is why relief logisticians need to ensure support is on hand at a moment’s notice. Eva Grey finds out why the aviation sector is the first point of call for fast, reliable aid delivery.
Read the article here.
Migrant crisis: airports caught in the middle
The modern surge of migration, driven by those seeking economic opportunity or fleeing from war or persecution, is a defining geopolitical issue of our time. How are airports affected, and is there a solution? Chris Lo reports.
Read the article here.
Blockchain: the future of flight data management?
IT technology firm SITA has built a private-permissioned blockchain system called FlightChain, which stores flight information and uses smart contracts to judge potentially conflicting information. Joe Baker learns more about the project from lead engineer Kevin O’Sullivan.
Read the article here.
Airports tap into virtual reality for passenger entertainment
While some airlines have already pioneered in-flight virtual reality, a number of airport lounges are also starting to experiment with the technology. Frances Marcellin looks at the immersive entertainment systems that are taking off in airports.
Read the article here.
Inside Munich Airport’s LabCampus project
Munich Airport is about to embark on a unique project: under the name of LabCampus, the airport plans to develop an innovation centre. Eva Grey finds out more from LabCampus managing director Dr Marc Wagener.
Read the article here.
Mapping the world’s most environmentally friendly airports
Airports are going green in response to increasing pressure regarding the industry’s environmental impact. Joe Baker locates the world’s most environmentally friendly airports and finds out how they offset carbon emissions.
Read the article here.
Heathrow’s environmental mitigation: does the strategy hold up?
After a controversial national debate, Heathrow Airport has received backing for its third runway project. The airport has gone to great lengths to prove it is embarking on a journey to sustainable growth, but is its environmental strategy convincing enough? Eva Grey reports.
Read the article here.
Before the flood: airports dangerously close to sea level
Sodden runways and stranded passengers at Japan’s Kansai International Airport have awoken industry fears about climate change – particularly when a vast number of airports sit dangerously close to rising seas. Joe Baker finds out ow many airports are truly at risk, and what can they do to protect themselves from natural disasters.
Read the article here.
Istanbul New Airport: building one of Turkey’s crown jewels
In autumn 2018, Turkey will unveil Istanbul New Airport, the city’s new destination for commercial flights and ultimately, the world’s biggest airport. Eva Grey takes a closer look at the airport, which is counted among one of President Erdoğan’s most prized legacy projects.
Read the article here.
Smart moves: how Dubai is setting the standard for green airports
In line with wider commitments to reduce carbon emissions in the city, Dubai Airports will be deploying new data analytics and smart building technology, which could guarantee energy savings of almost 20% per year. Ross Davies reports.
Read the article here.
In pictures: the world’s best airport lounges
Last year, thousands of travellers cast their votes for the annual Lounge of the Year Awards, to name the best airport lounges in the world. From Jamaica’s culturally rich ambience to Estonia’s subdued comfort, Eva Grey takes a closer look at some of the winners.
Read the article here.
Next issue | January 2019
The issue of treating transgender travellers with dignity at airport security has reared its head several times in the last few years, with a series of humiliating or distressing experiences for passengers unfolding during security checks. We look at the training and management needed to redress this injustice.
After Shannon Airport was named ‘Airport of the Year’ by an airline association, we stop to ask: what do airlines require from an airport?
We also catch up with NATS’ first in-house sustainability programme in the world, and find out how AI can help speed up airport security.
Finally, we look at the growing role hydrogen is playing in the aviation space after fuel cell specialist HES Energy Systems released plans for the world’s first regional hydrogen-electric passenger aircraft, with a prototype expected for take-off by 2025.
