Helsinki Airport’s decision to implement a new Wi-Fi-based tracking system will help to ensure hassle is kept to a minimum for passengers, the facility’s VP of passenger management has claimed.
Earlier this week, the Airport’s management team revealed that it had signed a deal with retail tracking specialist Walkbase to install a network of sensors and routers across its terminals, and Heikki Koski believes the move will benefit rather than hinder travellers.
He was quoted by dailymail.co.uk as saying: “Implementing Walkbase technology is part of our smart airport strategy which aims to offer passengers smooth airport experience and easy transfers between Europe and Asia.
“Helsinki Airport is now the world’s first airport to introduce passenger flow management technology covering the whole passenger path way from car parks to departure gates.”
The team behind the project estimate that 60 to 70 per cent of people who visit will leave their mobile phones’ Wi-Fi settings switched to ‘on’, which is necessary for the system to work, incentivetravel.co.uk reports.
This technology allows the airport to pinpoint the location of individual devices without collecting any personal data from the owner. The information can then be used to improve traffic flow. Management could, for example, highlight areas which are prone to passenger bottlenecks with a view to bringing in remedial measures.
