The impact of modern technology on airport operations is increasingly evident, with advancements such as smart security, biometrics, and self-service technologies revolutionizing the passenger experience. Alessandro Fidato, the Chief Operating Officer of SEA Milan Airports, has provided valuable insights into the positive effects of these emerging technologies, highlighting their role in streamlining travel processes and empowering passengers to take greater control over their journey.
SEA Milan Airports has prioritized the enhancement of the overall customer experience through the implementation of technology aimed at reducing waiting times and offering a seamless and contactless travel experience. The recent renovation of Linate, Milan City Airport, marked the beginning of a comprehensive redesign of the passenger experience, with a strong emphasis on integrating new technologies into airport operations. This initiative is designed to facilitate easy and quick navigation through the airport, ultimately creating a more comfortable and sustainable environment for passengers.
Biometric technology, specifically the introduction of the FaceBoarding biometric facial recognition system at Linate in 2020, has played a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. Enrolled passengers can now move through check-in, security, and boarding without the need to show boarding passes and ID documents. SEA has recently extended the FaceBoarding system to all security turnstiles and boarding gates at Linate, making it one of the first fully biometric airports in Europe. The company is also exploring the implementation of biometric technology at Malpensa, further expanding the reach of this groundbreaking innovation.
In addition to biometrics, the concept of ‘smart security’ has been introduced at Linate, incorporating computed tomography (CT) screening technology and shoe analysers to ease the security process for passengers. The implementation of smart security not only enhances the overall experience for passengers but has also significantly improved operational efficiency by reducing the number of security personnel required at the checkpoint.
Furthermore, self-service technology, including self-bag-drop solutions and the testing of self-service technology at Malpensa Terminal 1, has been made available to passengers at SEA Milan Airports. This allows passengers to manage their baggage autonomously, contributing to the goal of reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall travel experience.
To effectively integrate these technologies, SEA is accelerating the creation of an Airport Operations Centre (APOC) to serve as the operational control centre of the airport. The APOC will centralize all monitoring tools for operations and enable various stakeholders to contribute in real-time, ultimately leading to optimized operations, reduced critical issues, and improved punctuality.
Alessandro Fidato, drawing from his extensive experience in high-speed railway construction and strategic leadership roles in the aviation and transportation industry, has been instrumental in driving these transformative changes. His vision and commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology have greatly contributed to the evolution of airport operations at SEA Milan Airports.
In conclusion, the integration of emerging technologies into airport operations is revolutionizing the travel experience for passengers. These advancements, from biometrics to smart security and self-service technologies, are not only making travel more efficient but also empowering passengers to have greater control over their journey. SEA Milan Airports’ commitment to embracing these innovations underscores their dedication to enhancing the overall customer experience.