Five ways 5G will change the air travel experience

Long security lines, lengthy wait times at retail stores and restaurants, and unreliable technology, such as slow or spotty Wi-Fi, can frustrate and disrupt air travel for passengers, airport operators, and service personnel alike. 5G, the fifth generation of mobile networks, has the potential to be a game-changer for air travel, delivering services that can ease passenger friction and improve operations.

“With low latency and high-speed data connections, air travel passengers and transportation partners can enjoy a host of new features and services at airports and on aircraft," said Jerry Travellet, managing partner of Verizon Retail, Travel, Distribution. "From navigating security checkpoints and airport facilities, to ordering and paying for merchandise, food and beverages, to staying connected and streaming content, 5G has the potential to significantly enhance the travel experience.”

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This article explores five key ways airlines, airports, industry workers and passengers are benefiting from this cutting-edge technology, and what the customer experience will look like in the coming years.

Passenger convenience

Most airline passengers already use their smartphones to manage air travel logistics, such as checking in, dropping off bags, accessing mobile boarding passes, and receiving flight status updates. 5G can enhance all of these touchpoints by providing faster network speeds and lower latency for mobile-based activities — from journey to airport to departure.

From an airport perspective, 5G can provide greater capabilities to deliver wayfinding applications, personalized mobile messaging, and other proximity-based digital signage that can be updated in near real-time, so travelers can make the most of their time before boarding their flight. For example, several airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and New York’s JFK, are leveraging next-generation connectivity to send messages reminding passengers and staff about Covid-19 safety protocols.

As passengers move through the airport, they will be able to roam seamlessly between cellular networks and Wi-Fi, which will allow the network to better manage traffic demands, including streaming media and downloading large files.

“5G can enable passengers to have a contactless and personalized experience throughout their entire travel journey,” Traflet said. “Travelers’ smartphones have become standard for boarding passes, and through opt-in preferences, airlines, airports and in-airport businesses can trigger personalized messages and offers as passengers move through the airport.”

Business Connections

As important as high-speed connectivity is to travelers, 5G can provide enhanced services and capabilities for airport retailers and restaurants.

With faster cloud-based point-of-sale systems and mobile apps, not to mention self-service kiosks for ordering and paying for food, beverages, and retail, customers and employees alike can benefit from convenient ordering and payment options, as well as faster service. Reducing long or unpredictable wait times for airport shopping will increase customer satisfaction, improve operational efficiency, and increase employee retention.

Inventory Management

According to SITA, the leading IT provider to the air transport industry, 4G technology can manage approximately 10,000 devices within a square kilometer. Meanwhile, 5G networks are expected to eventually manage up to 1 million. Imagine the possibilities of being able to confidently connect and track baggage, parcels, pallets and containers, as well as all other airport inventory that constantly passes through security, on the ground, on the aircraft and back - all in one go.

“5G allows the use of existing networks, such as Wi-Fi, while providing a path to adopt more advanced networks and unlocking the benefits of increased devices, speed, reliability, and scalability to support advanced imaging applications,” said Traflet. “With the ability to seamlessly connect IoT devices, data can be captured, transmitted, stored, and processed in near real-time.”

Operational efficiency

IoT connectivity will also improve processes that are simple in theory but involve a lot of work in practice. Everything has a potential IoT application: optimizing line lengths; controlling lighting on runways, loading areas, and roads; cleaning bathrooms; using self-driving cars to move people and luggage through airports and shuttles; and more that can be imagined.

At Heathrow, for example, British Airways tested autonomous electric tugs to automate aircraft taxiing, a system that reduced pushback-related delays by 53 percent.

The ability to remotely and robotically manage the execution of simple operations will enable more ground personnel to participate in customer service activities that require a human touch, while improving the traveler experience and the safety of passengers and agents.

Strong security

Efficient and comprehensive security measures are a top priority for airport operators and passengers. As 5G networks can provide the ability to operate effective and high-quality security systems, airports can implement high-definition video surveillance to stream near-real-time situational data analysis promised by AI-driven security monitoring services.

From a processing perspective, biometric devices can also rely on 5G for secure entry. Concessions and automated passport scanners can be used in conjunction with these to reduce labor-intensive screening through automated processes. Additionally, with customer consent, airports can use biometric technology (facial recognition, handprints, fingerprints) to reduce boarding times.

For example, Face Express allows passengers at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport to check in, pass through security checkpoints, drop off their luggage, and board their flight, all with a facial recognition scan.

The future of inflight operations

“While still under development and testing with multiple technology providers, 5G could one day offer enhanced connectivity in-flight,” Traflet said. “Through high-speed data and communications transmission, 5G could create better streaming services for passengers and empower airline staff.”

The ultimate benefit of 5G for air travel will come from the full connectivity of the aircraft themselves. More data that is easily processed and analyzed means better maintenance and faster turnaround times, which could lead to tighter and more predictable scheduling. The ability for pilots to communicate seamlessly with air traffic control and use enhanced technology in the cockpit can improve safety and flight optimization, and these capabilities can also support the continued development of autonomous flight operations. Of course, all of this can translate into an optimal traveler experience.