Airport Systems & Technology

Airports are at the cutting edge of technological advance and innovation, from automated check-in procedures via baggage handling, communication systems, air traffic control, safety and security techniques, emergency services, passenger guidance and tracking and flight information provision to passenger leisure services (shopping, refreshment) and even techniques to keep birds away from runways.

On a larger platform the search is on continuously to design ‘the airport of the future’, which might involve locating landside activities at the airport as far as possible near the runway and preferably under the ground; or the co-location of access to the aircraft with access to other transport modes.

On the other hand, and despite the continuous advances in technology, the development of the airside at least of airports has not changed much since air transport started. The way passengers, cargo and aircraft are handled is basically the same as it was 50 years ago, although many processes have been automated. The additional security measures that are needed in air transport today have complicated the procedures at airports. Many passengers will experience time consuming and sometimes humiliating security checks. For the immediate future the focus is likely to remain on minimising the negative image of air transport generated by these measures and on reducing environmental damage through the application of new technology and systems where appropriate, rather than on any ‘grand plan’ for the future.

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