Hong Kong airport set to install 'beacon' system to aid passengers
Authority set to install new technology that can transmit specific details on flights … as well as the best deals in restaurants and stores
The new system, which has already been tested at the airport, identifies passengers when they enter the terminal and automatically passes specific information to their smartphones.
Kevin O'Sullivan, lead engineer at SITA Lab, which is working on the technology with airports and airlines around the world, said: "Imagine that you get to the airport with the airport's app on your smartphone. The app knows that you've checked in, so it directs you to the security checkpoint with the shortest line.
"Once you're through, you've got time left, so the app will tell you what restaurants are close by and which ones are offering discounts. Once the airline knows what gate you'll be leaving from, you'll get a notification on your phone, and directions for the quickest way to that gate."
The system relies on small transmitters, called beacons, which would be strategically placed throughout the airport to relay immediate information to passengers' smartphones.