Jet do it

Airports of the future will allow for slicker, less stressful travel

The airport experience has morphed dramatically in the past 10 years with the introduction of biometric security, mobile check-in, and baggage tracking. While Africa has historically lagged behind the global curve when it comes to technological and industrial advancement, the evolution of digital technology is likely to ensure that African air travel will be able to evolve in pace with the rest of the world.

A recent report by the World Economic Forum reveals that more than 400 tech hubs have sprung up across the continent, with Lagos, Nairobi and Cape Town emerging as growing technology centres. The data analytics market has evolved and cutting-edge technologies like 5G have started entering the market. Advancements such as these are allowing Africa to overcome existing infrastructure limitations at increasing rates.

On a global level, the next decade will witness exponentially accelerated change as passengers and staff usher in transformative technologies, from flying taxis to airports that think for themselves.

A stroll through the airport of the future may involve any or all of a number of new chapters.

Security will be integrated into a frictionless journey

Over the next decade, going through security will mean walking along a corridor. No more taking off your coat, shoes, and belt, or putting little bottles into little bags. And no more queues. Passengers and their bags will be recognised automatically as they go through automated checkpoints. Hard checkpoints will be replaced by sensor corridors, making physical document checks obsolete.

Passengers will be in control of their digital identity