The Evolution of Airport Security: Goodbye to Liquids Restriction in Luggage

/in , , , /by

Traveling by plane has always involved certain security rules, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. One of the most well-known restrictions is the requirement to remove liquids from luggage when passing through security checkpoints. However, this regulation is about to change thanks to technological innovation at airports. Let’s recall why this rule was established and how new technologies are transforming airport security procedures, making the travel experience easier for millions of people.

Airport Security: The Reason Behind Liquids Regulation at Airports

Traditionally, passengers have had to remove liquids from their luggage due to security concerns. These measures intensified after terrorist plots involving liquid explosives were discovered. As a result, authorities limited the amount of liquids passengers could carry in their carry-on luggage and required them to be presented in containers of up to 100 ml, placed in a transparent plastic bag.

Inconvenience for Travelers

This regulation, though necessary for security, has resulted in a slower and often frustrating travel experience. Removing liquids and electronic devices such as laptops for security inspections increases wait times in lines and can cause stress for passengers, especially during peak travel seasons.

Technological Advances in Airport Security

3D Scanners: A Game Changer

The good news is that technology is changing the game. New 3D X-ray scanners, capable of generating detailed images of the contents of suitcases, are being implemented at various airports. These scanners allow security officers to clearly see in three dimensions what each passenger is carrying, eliminating the need to remove liquids and laptops.

Innovation in Spanish Airports

A notable example of this innovation can be found in Spain. Starting in 2024, airports such as Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona will begin using these 3D scanners. This technology not only streamlines the security process but also enhances the ability to detect potential threats.

Similar Technology in the United States

The United States has also been a pioneer in implementing this technology, with airports like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare installing 3D scanners for faster and more efficient luggage inspection.

Benefits for Passengers

Reduced Wait Times

The most obvious benefit of this technology is a significant reduction in wait times. Passengers will no longer need to prepare their liquids and electronic devices for inspection, speeding up the security checkpoint process.

Improved Travel Experience

These technological advances also improve the overall travel experience. Less stress at security checkpoints means a calmer and more pleasant start to the journey.

The Future of Airport Security

Ongoing Innovation
The implementation of 3D scanners is just the beginning. Airports worldwide are continually exploring new technologies to enhance security and efficiency, such as biometric identification and remote luggage inspection.

Will Liquids Regulations Change?
Despite these advances, the current regulations on the amount of liquids allowed have not been modified. However, the ongoing evolution of technology could lead to changes in security policies in the future.

A Brighter and Safer Future for Travelers
The introduction of 3D scanners at airports is excellent news for travelers worldwide. This technology not only promises greater efficiency and convenience but also maintains security standards. With these advancements, the future of air travel looks faster, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.

 

For more news, visit our blog.

Good news for 2023

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

During a new moment, where many are studying the strengths and threats of 2023, air terminals are trying to weigh the new challenges, hoping for a new era and great opportunities for the aviation sector. 

As we have discussed in previous articles, there are many projects in the air, new technologies for transportation and air traffic control. There are also new experiences for passengers, such as in-flight connectivity, the opening of new routes, and the improvement of airport infrastructure worldwide. 

At this point, we can see how airports are already preparing for funding and new work to expand and improve the structures of airport spaces at a time when challenges are at the door. 

New projects are on the way…

In the last few days we have talked about El Dorado Airport as the most punctual airport in Latin America, and today we can see that a new project has been approved for the construction of a new terminal at the airport of Cartagena, a tourist destination in the Latin country that receives countless world-class tourists year after year. 

This project will allow the expansion and modernization of the structure of the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena. Thanks to these works, the airport will be able to increase its air capacity and be prepared to receive approximately 7.5 million passengers per year. 

The authorities in charge of the project have also stated that these modernization and construction works will be completed in two and a half years. 

In this sense, tourism in Colombia is getting stronger and getting recognized on an international level.

We talk about sustainability…

From airplanes with recycled materials and paper savings to the digital world, the aviation sector is looking for new horizons in terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness.

For several years now, there has been talking about introducing an environmentally friendly fuel to minimize the damage caused by CO2 in the air. Today, new mechanisms are already being presented to achieve zero emissions by 2035. 

Not only is there talk of green fuel, but also hydrogen and ethanol to produce a friendly and safe fuel for aviation. We see that there are still some years to go, but behind all this, big companies are working to achieve the expected results.

 

This and other news about the maritime and aeronautical sectors are in our blog. 

 

Airport recovery in Latin America

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

We are starting a new year, after stumbles, pandemics, and a new adaptation, airports presented their balance sheets for 2022. For the most part, the recovery was evident, which translates into new challenges and improvements. 

In the case of Latin America, El Dorado Airport, which serves Bogota, was the most punctual airport in Latin America in 2022. 

This result was announced by Cirium, a specialist in the analysis of the aeronautical sector, which presented the annual balance of the punctuality performance of airports worldwide. 

In the case of El Dorado International Airport, it was the most punctual with 80.72%, which places it in the top 10 and as the most punctual in Latin America. 

Recovery at Tocumen Airport 

In the case of Central America, specifically at Tocumen International Airport, the annual report of airport activities was presented. 

In this report, the recovery of the airport in the year 2022 stands out, which recovered the airport traffic concerning 2021, new flight routes were opened, and also, the recovery of the structure and operation of the new Terminal 2. 

In general, it can be said that although the year just ended was a year of challenges, the return of airlines and the lifting of restrictions was positive for the recovery of the sector. 

In terms of numbers, Tocumen Airport closed 2022 with more than 15 million passengers, a little more than 6 million more than in 2021. 

This is only a small part of what happened in Latin America, but the recovery of air traffic worldwide was very satisfying for the recovery of the aviation sector after years of uncertainty and new challenges. 

But 2023 is just beginning, what will it hold for the aviation sector? 

 

Read more news about the aviation and maritime sectors in our blog. 

Ready to Fly is now a reality

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been working on a project called One ID, under the premise of allowing passengers to arrive at the airport “ready to fly”. This means that they will be able to completely digitize the check-in experience at airports by implementing a biometric process with zero contact.

 

The objective of this initiative is to create a more streamlined process with a pre-trip information exchange, where the passenger will have to demonstrate that they meet the requirements for their trip and then identify themselves at established points at airport facilities through biometric recognition.

 

One Id seeks to standardize the digitization processes of all airlines, airports, and governments to provide a seamless experience that is easy for travelers to integrate and use.

 

The implementation of this type of technology will provide multiple benefits and clearly, the main one is that now passengers will not have to be confused with a pile of documents. They will have to share only the minimum necessary data with their digital identity for airlines, airports, and governments. 

 

In this way, when passengers arrive at airport facilities, they will already have their traveler data and itinerary, so they can avoid long lines by just presenting themselves to the biometric reader and identifying themselves. 

 

Other stakeholders that will also benefit from this new process are the airlines and airports which will be able to count on the efficiency of the processes and the reduction of time spent on manual identification of each passenger, which will reduce costs by relying on automated systems and focus their efforts on providing added value to their customers.

 

In terms of security, the One ID system will arguably help strengthen borders and make it easier for governments to receive accurate passenger information, as well as reduce the number of passengers who are inadmissible for presenting inadequate, insufficient, or false documentation.

 

Currently, many airlines have been working on digitizing these processes that allow passengers to board without presenting physical documentation, but IATA intends to create a standardized system that digitizes the admissibility of each traveler, so that when the passenger shares their “OK to Fly” status with the airline, they can automatically bypass all document checks within the airport facilities.

 

Ultimately, travelers want and need technology for their trips, to ensure better treatment, more efficiency, better services, and a considerable reduction in the time spent on controls. So they are undoubtedly willing to share their most sensitive information to support the progress that these systems will offer in the future and from which the industry as a whole will benefit.

 

However, the new standards are focused on protecting the data of passengers, who at all times remain in control of their data and credentials, sharing only verified approvals and without any intermediaries. In addition, this is not mandatory, so it will be an option if the passenger wishes to opt-out of this process and use manual verification.

 

Technological advances in air terminals

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , /by

2022 is almost over, a year that was undoubtedly a great source of technological advances and a year of palpable recovery for the aeronautical sector. 

But, it was an eye-opener of the benefits that new technologies have brought to one of the main economic sectors worldwide. 

From artificial intelligence to biometric technology, these are just some of the new technology uses implemented in airports around the world, having as a first need, to improve the passenger’s experience. To make their stay in air terminals as comfortable and pleasant as possible. 

That’s why with a view to full automation, we leave you a small tour of the technological innovations that serve firsthand to improve and configure new moments in airports around the world. 

Seoul Airport…

Incheon Airport in Seoul launched the big data platform Airport Data Sandbox, which facilitates the collection of data to analyze information such as congestion in the terminal, weather, traffic, or transport forecasts. 

It also provides information on passenger flow and allows for easy allocation of personnel management to improve airport operations. Each of the aforementioned data is handled in real-time. 

Barcelona Airport… 

And speaking of biometric technology, the Vueling Barcelona-Malaga route has a biometric program that covers the passenger’s entire transit from home to the boarding terminal. 

This is AENA’s third biometric project at Barcelona airport, where through the Spanish airport holding company’s app, passengers can register for baggage check-in, optimizing waiting times and security controls. 

All of the above while complying with the security of each passenger’s data. 

Qatar Airport… 

Hamad International Airport in Qatar is one of the airports considered a worldwide efficient airport, in terms of decision-making and technological improvements for the administration of the air terminal. 

It uses the necessary technological tools not only for administration but also to ensure an optimal stay for users. That is why they are about to implement digital twin programs, to plan and visualize different scenarios based on the collection and study of data. 

These are just some of the new scenarios that are being presented in air terminals around the world, but we are undoubtedly eager to see what 2023 will bring.

 

Keep reading more aviation news in our blog.

Future technology for airlines

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Making security checkpoints more efficient is the airline industry’s focus for modernizing check-in processes and risk assessment for the common passenger.

 

Implementing biometric technology, and improving RX analysis software on baggage, supported by the data provided by the travelers themselves and that can be more easily verified together with the data in passports, will undoubtedly be a great advance in the screening of airport passengers, who will even be able to carry in their carry-on bags, toothpaste, nail clippers, laptops and even check-in without removing their shoes or jackets.

 

By standardizing these processes and technologies at airports, travelers will be able to rely on a much greater security base than at present while benefiting from faster screenings, and airports will rely on technology, optimizing resources more efficiently and requiring fewer specialized personnel.

 

However, specialists have stated that these new systems are not based on racial or religious data, but are an update of the current systems that, supported by human observers, will provide a more efficient service for the facilities and undoubtedly for passengers who minimize their waiting times at airport facilities.

 

In a continuous commitment to R+D+I, the airline industry seeks to satisfy its passengers by providing higher quality services and thus building the loyalty of millions of passengers who travel year after year. 

 

But industrial digitization now allows having huge databases and analysis systems that are supported by artificial intelligence that can become a great ally that greatly facilitates the daily work of employees on the ground, finding unattended market niches and in turn providing the necessary security required by the industry in its risk assessments.

 

Airline staff deficit generates a new crisis in the industry

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

After two years of the pandemic, the cancellation of thousands of flights, and massive layoffs in the aviation sector, finally in 2022 flights worldwide began to increase rapidly. 

This has enabled the recovery of the industry and it could even be said that they are already beginning to generate profits. However, now a new crisis is coming.

We are at a stage where airline offers are falling short of passenger demands, which has caused flight cancellations, thousands of stranded travelers, or even lost luggage, and the industry is now facing a severe crisis of qualified personnel.

The crisis not only refers to the shortage of pilots. It also includes maintenance personnel, technicians, and ground staff, which potentially leads to fewer aircraft in circulation and delays in services as they are unable to handle all the processes related to flight preparation, passenger and baggage control, and everything else involved in the operation. 

The main problem is that it is not easy to replace or substitute these qualified personnel who require special certifications to be eligible for a position in this category, which would imply a considerable investment of time rather than solving this difficulty.

However, nowadays there are many devices, software, and technological tools that can serve as support to facilitate and optimize airport processes. This would also accelerate the evolution of the industry aiming at the technological transformation that is so necessary in these times.

According to the Commercial Market Outlook study conducted by Boeing annually, it is expected that by 2041 the world fleet will increase by 80%. 

In addition to the development of some market segments such as digital solutions that increase efficiency and reduce costs. But above all comprehensive training allows having qualified pilots and technicians.

The way of facing the crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic showed that the aviation industry has a great capacity to adapt and serves as a reference to demonstrate that this current crisis will not greatly affect the development of the sector.

Now they will be focused on offering better incentives to attract that personnel that migrated to other sectors due to the massive layoffs. 

But undoubtedly they will also have to work on creating new opportunities for digitalization, without neglecting the most important thing; attracting that 2.1 million new personnel, including pilots, mechanics, and crew members that will make every trip a better travel experience.

 

Logistical challenges for the airline industry in Qatar 2022

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

The World Cup is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated and attended events. Millions of fans, players, and stakeholders gather to enjoy the greatest sporting spectacle of all time. However, for it to run smoothly, it is essential to have logistics that take care of every detail. On this occasion, we will talk about the logistical challenges faced by Qatar, a country that does not exceed 12,000 square kilometers and expects to receive approximately 1.5 million visitors during the World Cup.

It is important to mention that this is the first time that a World Cup will be held in a Middle Eastern country, which puts some additional pressure on Qatar, which stands out for the quality of its services and premium products, especially from the point of view of the aviation sector, which has led Qatar to reinforce its airport infrastructure for the World Cup.

Qatar decided to reopen Doha International Airport, which had been closed for commercial operations since 2014. This is to manage the increase in passengers expected to be received by air without affecting the services and benefits to which they are accustomed.

On May 27 of this year, Hamad International Airport was inaugurated, becoming the main airport in the country and the base of operations for Qatar Airways, the most important airline in the region. The new air terminal, which has 2 parallel runways, was planned and built to cope with the congestion problems expected for this sporting season.

Another decision that was taken in the airline industry is that Qatar Airways will reduce some air routes, to will reduce some air routes to increase others with higher demand and from participating countries, thus facilitating the transfer of thousands of fans, but this airline will not be the only one to take measures, the airlines Oman Air, Kuwait Airways Saudia, and Flydubai, will increase their logistics to organize more than 160 round-trip flights. All this is expected to begin on November 20.

While other countries such as Argentina and Mexico, have opened direct flight routes to cater personally to their fans and plan to include more flights as their national teams advance to the knockout stages.

Another of the most important logistical points is the transfer of goods to meet the high demand for food, technological products, advertising, and all those related to the big event and also involves suppliers around the world that must meet a strict schedule of compliance to ensure supply. For this, Qatar made strategic alliances with the operator specializing in international logistics Interborders, but also Qatar Cargo, an air cargo company, acquired 3 new aircraft to complete its fleet and meet the requirements of this massive soccer event.

There is no doubt that the Qatar 2022 World Cup Organizing Committee is working tirelessly to attend to every detail and no less is to be expected from one of the world’s richest republics. Which has dedicated itself in recent years to building stadiums, airports, hotels, and buildings to host the long-awaited 2022 World Cup.

 

New challenges after COVID

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

Now that everything seems to be back to normal, the whole world is preparing to overcome the impact of Covid-19. 

In many countries, routine activities are already taking place as normal, without the need to wear masks. Others are enjoying festivals and concerts, but better yet, travel restrictions have been put aside to embrace the summer. 

Airports around the world are preparing to reach pre-pandemic traffic levels. However, they have faced unexpected challenges such as staff shortages and high passenger demand that have led to delays, cancellations and long queues. 

But this was not an impediment for people to enjoy their vacations after two years of confinement. 

Goodbye to controls… 

Thanks to the leveling of contagions and the good sanitary management in airport structures, countries such as Spain have announced the lifting of COVID controls, it will no longer be necessary to present the COVID passport or the traveler’s form, both at airports and those arriving in the country by cruise ships. 

However, requirements such as PCR tests performed 48 hours in advance and vaccination cards are still required. This is to ensure the safety and welfare of each passenger. Likewise, masks will still be used during flights.

In spite of this, the lifting of the controls is a great step to restructure international schedules and reopen the operation of routes that were still stopped. 

In addition, passengers are guaranteed safety and confidence during flights and stays at the air terminals.

This is why good times are ahead for the aeronautical and port sector. Where challenges will cease to have a negative connotation, to carry out new projects and improve the travel experience of each passenger. 

A reliable alternative… 

In order to accompany the challenges that may arise, GP Nauticals has developed within the SUITE, a specialized software called PAX AIMS, which is ideal to avoid long waiting lines.  In addition, it is capable of auditing the number of passengers passing through the airport facilities, in order to automate processes and optimize check-in and collection times. 

All this thanks to the checkpoints that will be deployed at the airports, which will improve the travel experience from the moment they set foot in the facilities. 

PAX AIMS can be integrated with other SUITE software according to the needs of each customer. If you want to know more information about our products, click here. 

Mobile applications in the aviation industry

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by

In recent times, it’s evident how mobile applications related to air transport have multiplied, and have promoted major changes in the aviation industry. From the improvement of internal processes to cope with any kind of operational disruption, as happened during the pandemic, to those focused on customer satisfaction by transforming the way they travel.

We live in an interconnected world and there is a clear need to have as much information and services as possible on our mobile devices. Thanks to this, more and more airlines and airports are focusing their efforts on developing technology that allows them to be at the forefront of the needs while helping to reduce costs, optimize revenues, improve labor productivity, and above all innovate while making life easier for their passengers.

The use of this type of technology can also become a differentiating branding tool.  Now that many airlines are seeking to build customer loyalty through attractive benefits that play an important role in passengers’ decision to travel.

Now, let’s take a look at the latest technologies that have been used in the airline industry and are being tested around the world. 

For example, contactless self-check-in and baggage handling technology are being tested in many airports, as well as mobile applications that allow airlines to scan travelers’ passports and visas at different checkpoints, thus speeding up long waiting lines and reducing waiting times, which is a huge benefit for passengers.

On the other hand, airlines are looking for ways to integrate into their mobile applications options that allow passengers to manage their services without the need for a cabin crew member anywhere in the travel chain and especially without contact. So if a passenger wants to use the entertainment systems of the aircraft, he can do it just by scanning a QR code from his mobile device and thus choose what he wants to see while interacting with the crew to buy products or services such as food or duty-free items. 

These types of technology platforms not only serve to meet the needs of passengers, but also provide airlines and airports with the opportunity to understand passenger behavior and purchasing patterns. This allows companies to segment the market and personalize their offers.

Similarly, facial recognition technology continues to make inroads in the industry, and biometric identification options are expected to become common in the coming year, as their benefits are not only focused on passengers but also help to reduce costs, optimize resources, and speed up boarding times. 

Even now, facial recognition payment technologies and contactless fingerprint scanning are being tested. 

 Similarly, another area that is being impacted by mobile technology platforms is the administrative sector of the airline industry where they are beginning to implement port management systems that allow airports to manage data in real-time with cloud support. That helps the organizations involved to be more efficient in managing information, concessions, contracts, billing, and payment of services. 

Today there are many development companies specialized in the aviation industry that continually offer solutions that improve processes, encouraging a market that has been greatly affected in recent years by the pandemic of COVID-19 as is GP Nautical. who have focused their efforts on creating innovative technology platforms for the aviation sector that allows any port to have a management system of the last generation with minimal investment.