“I think this is one of the most exciting periods in the history of aviation to work in this field.”
That’s how my WSP colleague, aviation expert Gaël Le Bris, CM, ENV SP, P.E., characterizes the progress unfolding at airports and in the overall aviation sector these days. He’s well positioned to stake this claim—not only as a vice president on the U.S. aviation planning team, but as a visionary who has authored a study on “The Future of Airports: A Vision of 2040 and 2070” and is involved with innovations such as electric propulsion and hydrogen for aviation as well as advanced air mobility (AAM).
Why the Excitement?
Some of the key transformative changes we’re experiencing at airports include the following:
• Digital innovation from the curb to the gate. Airports are integrating advancements such as automation in operations, seamless journey with biometric ID, and innovative mobility solutions to improve efficiency and adapt to future demands.
• Future aircraft technologies. Compatibility with new aircraft designs and technologies that require infrastructure and operational adaptations to accommodate the market evolutions.
• Widespread industry revolution. Unlike previous eras, every domain of airports is changing, and today’s challenges expand across all aspects of aviation travel, making this period of changes complex yet exciting.
A decade or so ago, many U.S. terminals were not aging well. We were lagging behind the rest of the world when it came to passenger experience. Several airports were in dire need of rejuvenation, redevelopment and increasing terminal capacity to match modern standards and expectations. Fortunately, a revolution in terminal development means we’re rewriting the passenger experience at American airports.
The modernization of New York City’s Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport is a stellar example of the emergence of a modern experience in American air travel, with similar design considerations being applied to other projects, such as ensuring a comfortable number of square feet per passenger, quality and assortment of concessions and increased incorporation of local businesses for adding regional flavor. Increased airport traffic, aircraft size and a variety of traveler preferences also are important considerations in airport design.
“The designs we are seeing at domestic terminals in the U.S. are still pragmatic and flexible to accommodate future changes, but that doesn’t mean they are not modern, comfortable or efficient,” notes Le Bris. “Every airport is addressing passenger experience with upgrades, although those goals and expectations can vary.”
One thing that will never change: Every passenger’s desire to move from the parking lot, through the terminal, onto the plane and into the air as efficiently as possible.
How Technology Helps
Improving communication and wayfinding with digital tools using apps, biometric systems and augmented reality is transforming the passenger journey by simplifying processes. Still, there must be a good balance between digital tools and human touch to enable better navigation and understanding, ensuring smoother experiences, especially for international travelers with language barriers.
“It’s not necessarily about making all physical signage in the terminal multilingual,” Le Bris adds. “It starts with a logical and intuitive flow, finding creative ways to provide the right information at the right time through the right media, using digital tools. Keeping the tool as simple and clear as possible creates meaningful communication that improves the experience for international travelers.”
Creating inclusive and stress-free environments also is essential. Some airports are achieving this through adoption of features such as sensory rooms for neurodiverse individuals, programs that let passengers discreetly identify themselves with “hidden disabilities” so assistance is promptly available, aircraft cabin mockups to familiarize passengers with the experience, and personalized navigation paths that reduce stress and anxiety.
“As the population ages, more airports understand the need to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility and how digital technologies play a role in addressing diverse preferences, enhancing mobility for all passengers,” explains Le Bris.
Interestingly, flexibility and advanced mobility options in modern airport designs emphasize versatile facilities to accommodate evolving needs, including smaller aircraft flying international routes and emerging technologies such as AAM. Enhanced landside access options, from improved mass transit to new mobility solutions, provide passengers with greater choice and convenience.
These initiatives aim to streamline a functional American airport experience by catering to diverse needs while embracing innovation and inclusivity. It’s exciting to have a window seat as this terminal modernization renaissance takes off.
The post Transportation Troubleshooting: Enhancing the Passenger Experience at American Airports first appeared on Informed Infrastructure.