The missing link in simplifying the business

Thirza Rojer discusses how modern tracking technology can help improve passenger efficiency, safety and enjoyment at the airport gate

One of the main concerns for airports in Europe is to increase operational and passenger efficiency. What solutions do you propose to reach this goal?

There are lots of ways to increase passenger efficiency. The passenger flows must become more efficient. One of the problems confronting passengers with children and reduced mobility is moving from check in to the gate. According to the new EU regulations, airports are obliged to offer assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. This will cost airports in the future dearly in special equipment and manpower. The expectation is also that in the future more people with reduced mobility will be travelling and insisting on this service. The GR01 airside trolley can assist in this matter by increasing the processing speed of passengers at the various security checkpoints, because strollers no longer need to be checked at these checkpoints. Also by using the GR01 a family member can take an elderly or family member with reduced mobility to the required area in the airport.

What benefits can be seen in incorporating RFID technology into baggage cart systems?

There is quite some effort needed to find and collect these carts. This amount of manpower can be reduced by using RFID technology to locate the carts and trace how many are scattered over the airport and not in use. This is also a means to check if the responsible persons are doing their jobs. Next to the operational improvement it can improve the PAx logistics and stimulate non-aeronautical revenues.  For instance the passengers can easily be managed to particular areas of the airport by the use of the RFID information screens technology. They can receive the latest information on screens on products being sold in the various shops, which can lead to increased non-aeronautical revenues. In the future by scanning the boarding cards passengers can even be directed to their particular gates.

Airports are currently focusing on ways to increase revenue by using innovative technologies and equipment. In what ways can your solution contribute towards this?

Statistically it's proven that shopping carts stimulate the Pax to shop in airport terminals more often then in the past. Now people with reduced mobility and children can be transported by their families and enjoy the airport and shopping facilities by using these trolleys. No more waiting for assistance and being transported from one location to another and waiting there again. The GR01 will increase overall passenger comfort because this device can be used to carry approved hand luggage and still provide enough space to sit and rest on, no matter your age or weight. We not only stimulate Pax travelling alone to shop, but we also stimulate the Pax travelling with children and the PRMs to shop. This way a broader percentage of the travellers are contributing to the total revenue of the airport.

With increased security checks constantly being implemented within Europe's airports, it is becoming difficult to ensure optimum passenger flow. How does your equipment contribute to maintaining a sufficient flow?

By obliging the passengers to check in the children strollers at the desk, the intensity of checking different strollers and mobile devices that comes out of non-clean areas to clean is reduced. All unnecessary delays at security check points are avoided, thus increasing the overall passenger flow, as they can use this multifunctional airside baggage cart until boarding. Gr01 is property of the airport, which means that the system is under the surveillance of the airport that should be classified as sterile or clean.

Passenger terminal managers are looking at ways to improve comfort in order to ensure that customers are happy and will continue using facilities. How important do you feel passenger comfort is to the whole airport experience? 

We think passenger experience is of the utmost importance. One important aspect at various airports is the lack of sitting space when reaching the gate or on the way to the gate. By using GR01 the passengers can sit and rest at designated areas thus increasing overall passenger comfort.

Biography

Thirza Rojer has been involved in B2B Marketing and Sales activities for the last decade. As the Director Global Sales Operations she is responsible for the global introduction of the Multifunctional Solutions Inc. products range.