SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 10: A passenger walks past a Qantas jet at the International terminal at Sydney Airport on March 10, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. Qantas has cut almost a quarter of its international capacity for the next six months as travel demands fall due to fears over COVID-19. The airline today announced it was altering routes to London and would be parking eight of their 12 A380 aircraft. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) | Photo Credit: MARK EVANS
India came to the picture much later than the rest of the world when it comes to using technology for enhancing passenger experience. However, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the scenario completely. Indian aviation has quickly capitalised on the use of technology for providing a safe flying environment, benchmarked with global best.
The beginning is promising. When flights restarted, web check was made compulsory and domestic airlines quickly reached close to 100 per cent web check-ins for their flights. Airlines have also ensured that those on board are protected against the Covid-19 virus. The cabin air is High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter cleared. The aircraft is also disinfected after every flight and fumigated at regular intervals.
Airports buckle up
Indian airports are catching up too. The aspect of flying that deal with the interaction of passengers with various touchpoints at the airports have been digitised to ensure a safe and touchless journey. Digiyatra, a biometric programme of MoCA enabled major airports in India to navigate to this effect efficiently. Moreover, technology is helping the aviation industry manage the current surge in passenger volume effectively, giving hope to the entire travel and tourism industry.
At Delhi airport, all bags go through a UV tunnel as a new safety measure. Besides, the airport has mapped passengers’ complete journeys and taken various measures to ensure social distancing using technology.
Digital transformation
Bangalore Airport is working on the development of a Digital Transformation Master Plan and has identified some projects where digital transformation could play a major role in the coming months. Mumbai Airport also capitalised on the touchless check-in technologies. At Hyderabad airport, where all retail outlets are open, fliers are being distributed to encourage digital payment options. The Hyderabad and Delhi airport have introduced the HOI app, a digital travel companion for flyers and QR codes placed across the terminal that can be used to pre-order food with a smartphone.
Given that India is considered the software brain of the world, Indian aviation is likely to move at a faster pace and has the potential to pave the path for the rest of the world technologically. All this can mean only good news for both the airlines, airports and passengers for a safe, secure, hassle-free and quick mode of travel.
The author is Vice President India and South Asia, Elenium Automation
Published on November 14, 2021