WE ADOPT END-TO-END APPROACH IN INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGY

In response to the distancing requirements enforced by COVID-19, the aviation industry has made great use of technology to ensure passenger safety while also following pandemic safety norms. As a result, the air travel experience has changed dramatically, and the technological transformation is set to continue in 2021. Biometric checkpoints, self service kiosks, distancing-friendly processes and self bag-drop stations will be familiar sights even after COVID-19, says Maneesh Jaikrishna, Vice-President, Indian Subcontinent, Dubai, Eastern and Southern Africa, SITA. In this interview, he also speaks about privacy worries, point solutions vs. common-use solutions, industry standards and stakeholder role. Excerpts:

- MANEESH JAIKRISHNA

How much has the travel and aviation industry changed on the technology side since the pandemic hit the world?

The pandemic has increased the drive for greater operational, and cost, efficiencies and a focus on sustainability and health. There is a lot of industry innovation occurring, using facial biometrics, in response to the pandemic and designed to build confidence among travellers and governments, support a safe and low-touch airport experience, and enable borders to open safely.

What big shifts or adoptions can we see in the ‘new normal’? how many of them are incremental and how many truly disruptive?

We see an acceleration of interest in deploying our existing Smart Path solution, given the more significant need for a touchless airport experience. Reducing waiting times and congestion, in particular, are more critical than ever before since these are not merely a matter of passenger comfort but also a safety issue as we endeavour to help promote best safety practices like social distancing and decrease the spread of COVID-19. Biometric checkpoints, self service kiosks, and self bag-drop stations are likely to see an increase in adoption even after COVID-19.

What is you strategy to address this new air-scape?