Gatwick Airport is aiming to personalise its passenger experiences with the launch of a new mobile app, which is part of a wider array of forthcoming digital innovations from the UK hub.
Those who download the app – available on iOS and Android platforms – can access shopping and eating offers specific to their terminal, and instantly redeem them at the point of sale.
Users can also locate personalised flight information and queue updates via the new app, while a mapping function has been developed linked to a network of beacon technology installed across the airport.
Features for use outside the terminals include real-time road and rail travel information, the ability to book parking and other premium airport features, as well as information on services such as baby changing, technology charging points, hotels and lounges.
It comes as Gatwick announced it achieved its busiest November on record this year, with 2.9 million passengers travelling through the airport bringing it to 45.5 million annual passengers.
Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer at Gatwick Airport, said: “Airports can be confusing spaces and Gatwick’s new app is designed to help our passengers make the most of their time at the airport.
“We believe we have improved on the best airport apps in the market, with the combination of personalised flight information, live queue times and our new beacon technology which helps people navigate seamlessly through the airport.”
In the near future, Gatwick plans to connect passengers to intelligent chatbots using Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other popular apps.
The airport’s 2,000 beacons, which were installed earlier this year, also have the capability to enable augmented reality (AR) wayfinding for passengers, allowing the hub to make it easier for visitors to navigate its two terminal buildings.
AR was on the agenda for the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow, earlier this year, too
Heathrow Airport teamed up with Ads Reality to launch an exclusive Mr Men and Little Miss character, which was created to engage families during the busy holiday period.
Those using the dedicated mobile app were able to encounter Little Miss Explorer through their devices and play various games using the technology as they made their way through the terminals, while Heathrow could use the analytics to track footfall.
Speaking at the time, Richard Corps, managing director & co-founder of Ads Reality, said: “We’re delighted that Heathrow sees the benefits of augmented reality to the customers they serve, and it’s a great example of a large company looking at innovative technology to drive an exciting customer experience.”