Automated Passenger Scanning at airports

Recently, Indian airports have also realized this delay element and, particularly the privately controlled airports have installed certain mechanisms and technologies to speed up the check-in times leaving passengers to unwind themselves in the excellent retail experience made available. Some of these modern advances are listed below.

Self-service check-in and bag drop facilities are now commonplace at larger airports in India. Common Use Self Service (CUSS) kiosks are being increasingly used in Indian airports for fast and hassle free check-in for passengers. This is particularly convenient for business travellers who are travelling only with the hand baggage. Integrated with this, certain airports have installed queue management techniques using real-time data in order to optimize the airline check-in counters and also alert passengers to distribute optimally among the check-in counters.

The Biometrics technology looks set to play a crucial role in adding a further layer of security and creating a more seamless experience for the passenger. To enhance faster travel and better passenger experience, terminal building control points can have automated processing systems for Passenger entry/ authentication, check-in service, self-bag drops, controlled security check entry, e-boarding gate, etc. This philosophy has been proved to increase passenger processing rates. The day is not far when we will be able to check in at our airports using this technology in tandem with Aadhar Card.

In the multi-level X-Ray screening system, already in use at various international airports abroad, the online hold baggage screening system (HBS) is integrated with the airport baggage handling in order to provide complete hold baggage processing and screening system. Depending upon the passengers’ peak hour density, the level is varied from three to four. Normally, a single on line HBS with Level 1 & 2 X-ray machine and tracking would practically be able to sustain around 22 bags per minute (1300 bags hour).

With increase in requirement of terminal capacity, the size of such terminal building tends to increase. Beacon system with a wayfinding app provides guidance inside the terminal building. The operators can also engage the passengers with relevant location-based content. Travellers can be guided towards frequently visited retail facility/ies. With reduced stress and improved passenger experience, this system brings medium to connect airport facilities with passengers.

View of modern airport security check – full body scanners and automated check-in baggage mechanism

A new security screening checkpoint configuration that utilizes innovative lane design and automation, plus ergonomic design features and aesthetics, automatic tray handling and parallel loading/ reclaim procedures, is available with principal agreement by regulators. This is in process to implement or attempt to safeguard across upcoming airports. To maximize the efficiency, the X-ray machines were proposed to be occupied at all times and the configuration of the passenger screening/ frisking part matches the X-ray machine throughput.

There is currently an emerging thrust and overarching trend towards empowerment of passengers. To this effect, robotics has the potential to offer a new level of customer service and to remove anxiety at the airport terminal and hence, provide a more seamless airport experience. This is work in progress and we need some more time before we can see the benefits of this technology coming to us.

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