Airport operators are tasked with moving masses of passengers, goods and aircraft as efficiently as possible. They must do this while maintaining profitable businesses, making efforts to improve operations and maintaining sustainable business models.
The key areas for improving airport efficiency can be divided into three elements: the airside, the terminal and the airfield.
Passenger experience – ground access and ground infrastructure
Passenger satisfaction can easily depend on any number of variables, among which is the high accessibility of the airport. One way to provide more convenient access for passengers is to build an integrated transport hub, like the one Arup developed for Hong Kong International Airport. This ensures that customers enjoy a seamless journey, whether they travel to the airport by express train, taxi or bus.
Technology can also play a key role in facilitating passenger access. Imagine a smartphone app with everything a passenger needs to get to and from the airport – timetables and tickets in one place. This can both reduce queues for passengers arriving on foot and simplify parking, helping to reduce stress when getting to and from the airport.
Goods coming into and out of the airport include everything from catering supplies for airlines to stock for retailers. Strict security measures require them to be checked before continuing to their destination, but the logistics need to run smoothly.
There is also the potential to deliver goods more efficiently and with lower emissions by adopting new technologies such as unmanned vehicles, or turning to future technologies such as hydrogen vehicles.
Terminal.
Advanced computer modelling of passenger behaviour helps airport operators understand how terminal improvements can improve efficiency or increase capacity.
Successful simulations can improve efficiency during check-in, baggage claim, changes in arrivals, lighting and security checks. This provides more automated and efficient processes, contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience while reducing staff costs.
Digital integration
Improving the information available to operations teams can make a significant difference to passenger experience and airport efficiency. With digital technology, airports can anticipate and respond to events, maintaining high service standards even when terminals are busiest.
Digital integration is key to identifying where resources are most needed and directing them accordingly.
Energy efficient buildings
The sheer scale of terminal buildings creates huge opportunities for airports to reduce energy consumption, running costs and carbon emissions.
Inefficient energy use leads to higher than necessary utility bills and carbon emissions. It can even limit an airport’s growth if, for example, the local electricity grid is unable to meet future demand.
in just three years.
Digital sustainability
It is now more important than ever that airports have reliable computer systems as they increasingly rely on data to operate efficiently.
Specialized airport computer systems are often hosted in data centers located at the airport itself – a practice considered high-risk by standard data center classification.
Baggage resilience
Baggage systems are vital to the smooth running of an airport. When they work well, they make a vital contribution to operational efficiency; when they go wrong, everything grinds to a halt and passengers are dissatisfied.
Many airports around the world are facing the challenge of upgrading their equipment to meet new baggage screening standards. While the old machines weigh up to three tons, the new ones weigh up to eight tons. So replacement is not just a cut and paste, but requires reconfiguration and associated process changes.
Smarter wayfinding
Airports can be confusing for passengers facing language barriers and fatigue. Our experts use digital technology to make route guidance as simple and efficient as possible for those passing through.