The technology used behind air travel is an unsung hero. From radar control and surveillance systems, to ground-based and satellite-based equipment and landing systems, information communication technology (ICT) is keeping our airports and airways safe.
On the ground, the next generation of IT is making airports secure and comfortable for travellers, and has shown impressive potential for the future of air travel. The advent of e-passports was a step in the right direction, but when combined with artificial intelligence (AI), automated processing solutions at border controls will speed up operations at congested airports.
Biometric capturing include facial, eye and finger print recognition. It can make a tedious and stressful airport experience a hassle-free one. Biometrics mean that travellers can move seamlessly through border control, without any compromise to their safety or privacy. According to Tokyo’s Regional Immigration Bureau, biometrics give accurate and immediate results and keep countries safe:
“As international terrorism becomes more serious, further strengthening of border countermeasures is required in order to stop entry of terrorists at the border. Since October 2016, we have been checking the facial images of terrorists against facial pictures received from foreigners at landing appraisal, at the airports and seaports nationwide,” says Supervisor, Takayuki Sakairi.
Another exciting emerging technology that has the potential to transform safety at airports is called ‘Crowd Behaviour Analysis’. Pioneered by leading Japanese ICT solutions experts – NEC – this world-first technology can analyse real-time data using security cameras at airports to detect abnormal crowd phenomena such as overcrowding or people running away. Airports that decide to use this technology will have the power to stop a threat turning into a disaster.
We’ve been travelling in the air for 103 years now, but the challenges grow greater by the day. And these are what It’s not humans, but technology that will be able to take on these challenges in the future – and win.
