Archives for 2 Apr,2018

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Technology That Will Transform The Way We Fly In 2018!

Leaving on a Jet Plane is about to become faster, more efficient, and way more comfortable!

Taking a flight can be a tough ordeal even for the most seasoned travellers! Cramped seats, crowded airports and the time it takes to get through all the checks is annoying, to say the least.

The future of air travel, however, looks a lot more promising. The advent of new technologies is making advances that even a decade ago were unfathomable. They will redefine the way we experience flying.

We’ve all heard the big catchphrases –  Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Big-Data and Internet Of Things (IoT).

But what do they mean and how do they affect the way we fly?! Truth is, we are only scratching the surface of their potential and many more benefits are yet to be realized.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how these tech breakthroughs are being applied in aviation and in enhancing Passenger Experience (PAX).

1.ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being embraced by industry to improve the passenger experience. Today airlines and airports use Chatbot’s with AI technology to communicate effectively with passengers.

AI allows simple queries to be handled swiftly, freeing up customer service professionals to tackle more difficult issues effectively.

Beyond Chatbots, AI technology has the potential to revolutionize the travel experience. Imagine having access to a 24-hour personal travel assistant who can predict your travel choices, knows your preferences and can create a personal experience for you.

AI travel assistants are the future!

2.REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGY

Turbulence is the largest cause of injuries to passengers and crew. And for nervous passengers, it’s a nightmare.

Today, pilots use multiple sources of information to manage turbulence inflight, from weather radar and charts to information from other pilots and air traffic controllers.

To reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries, Airport authorities are developing a turbulence sharing information platform containing real-time, aircraft-sensed turbulence reports in collaboration with multiple airlines around the world.

On top of that Aircraft manufacturers are developing a new technology that emits pulses of laser lights from the plane’s nose which will measure the wind speed along the direction of the laser allowing pilots to avoid turbulence while flying.

3.BIOMETRICS FOR SECURITY AND CHECK-IN

A seamless and convenient experience through the airport terminal is slowly becoming a reality thanks to biometric technology.

International Air Transportation Authority’s “One ID” project is rapidly moving travel towards a day when face, iris, or fingerprint recognition will provide the key to a smooth travel experience.

One ID works by creating a match between a unique biometric characteristic, a passenger’s passport and their flight booking. Once the match has been made passengers can then proceed through the terminal checkpoints from the security to the plane without having to show travel documents.

Recently the Airports Authority of India announced that they will be introducing Biometric boarding system at 3 Indian airports (Varanasi, Vijayawada and Kolkata) for the convenience of the passenger. This system will make security check-in smoother and quicker by securely identify travellers through Aadhaar number, passport or other documents.

4.BLOCKCHAIN

Blockchain is a recent invention with immense potential for widespread application and one that airport authorities believe offers benefits for passengers and airlines.

Only a few people are aware of this but, from the moment you search online for an air ticket to the time you arrive at your destination, the airlines you are travelling with is just one of the various partners involved in the aviation value chain. Each member of that chain takes a profit margin.

Organisations around the world have begun to look into the possibilities of implementing blockchain payment system to reduce the costs for all partners involved in the value chain because blockchain payments are faster and more efficient. Apart from reducing the costs, which could benefit passengers, other advantages include greater transaction speed, resilience, and protection from fraud.

5. 3 DIMENSIONAL SCANNERS

High-definition, three-dimensional CT scans of luggage may soon replace static X-ray images at airports as part of a wave of new technology designed to speed up security lanes while improving detection of weapons and explosives.

While CT scans have been used for the past 10 years, the new machines are smaller, more powerful and faster. And with travellers increasingly concerned with airport security, this new tech gives security personnel a tool for keeping travellers safe while on the move.

 

Modern technological innovations in air travel are slowly coming to India and we at AirWhizz are continuously trying to implement it and bring it to you as a passenger. From real-time flight updates to providing information about airports and airlines, we help you plan your air travel all the way.

Download the AirWhizz App and Fly Stress-Free!

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‘Green’ Buses Will Soon Ferry Passengers To The Hyderabad Airport!

A few months back, The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) had operated a battery-enabled electric bus on the Hyderabad Airport stretch on an experimental basis for a period of one month. The officials operated the bus from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to (RGIA) in Shamshabad to Secunderabad for few weeks to check the efficiency.

They found that the experience was encouraging!

To build on that positive experience, TSRTC announced on Saturday that they will be introducing 40 electric buses to ferry passenger to RGAI in Hyderabad. The electric buses will be introduced in the next 4 months as part of phase 1.

According to the officials at TSRTC, these “Green’ buses will be powered by battery operated electric motors and will not cause pollution, unlike other regular vehicles. Officials have also said that these buses will be cheap so that it is easier for the common passenger to commute to the airport. The fare for these electric buses will be the same as those for public AC buses. Nobody will be charged an additional fare. This new fleet of buses will replace the current buses operating on the airport route. The project work on this project has already started and has been given to a private agency.

Below are a few pointers about the specifications of the bus and its operation –

  • Each bus will be 12-Meter-long low floor AC ‘Green’ bus.
  • It is being manufactured by a Chinese company – BYD
  • Each bus will cost Rs 2.4 crore, with a seating capacity of 40 passengers
  • The bus will be operated by the private agency for 12 years and the TSRTC will pay the agency
  • Maintenance, appointment of driver and fuel will the responsibility of the agency, but the conductor will be a TSRTC employee

This initiative is being implemented in phases with the phase 1, of introducing 40 green buses, to be completed within 4 months. The phase 2 of this project will see 60 more electric buses being introduced depending on the response and experience of the passengers.

There is a need for such initiatives in the country since India is the world’s 5th largest auto market. Shifting to electric vehicles will reduce harmful vehicle emissions by 37%. This project will also help the governments aim to make India shift completely to electric vehicles by 2030 and make the country emission-free by 2040.

The Green buses will be introduced in a few months but before that, if you are looking to travel to the Hyderabad Airport, look no further!

Download the AirWhizz App to get notifications on when to leave based on real-time traffic updates and book your Ola/Uber ride to the airport from the app itself. Fly Stress-Free!

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