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Skyscanner unveils vision for stress-free airports
Airports of the future will allow people to relax in rooftop pools, yoga retreats and 3D cinemas, while holographic staff take care of passengers’ needs, a new report has predicted.
In its ‘Future of Travel 2024’ report, Skyscanner has predicted that in 10 years’ time airports will become places to unwind and relax while waiting for flights, as new technology takes the stress out of the travel experience.
According to Skyscanner, entirely automated airports will eliminate check-in desks and queues, with passengers able
to “check in and drop off their bags at Starbucks”, before using their smartphones
to monitor the queue times at security and choose the best route to get to their gate.
Digital luggage tags will include all flight details and destination information, allowing travellers to track their bags, while biometric data cards will replace passports, reducing immigration queues.
“Emerging technologies mean that by 2024 the travel journey from our home to holiday destination has the potential to be a stress-free and enjoyable experience – full of fun distractions for everyone,” said Filip Filipov, Skyscanner’s head of B2B.
“Airports and flights will no longer be the price we pay to travel but instead will signify
the start of our holidays where travellers can relax and create the perfect space to suit their needs whether they’re flying for business or leisure.”
Skyscanner also predicts the rise of the “Airside Aeroville”, with possible guest amenities ranging from art galleries and gardens to rooftop pools, 3D cinemas and yoga retreats. Skype-style hologram systems will also be available, allowing passengers to hold 3D conversations with virtual staff.
Skyscanner’s ‘Future of Travel 2024’ report has been produced in association with The Future Laboratory and gathered the input of 56 experts and futurologists.
tHaILand
Thai safety app
BANGKOK, Thailand - Tourist police
in Thailand have launched a new safety
app. The mobile technology is aimed at improving safety of tourists. The app known as Tourist Buddy Application works via a smart-phone and offers safety tips as well
as travel information. Tourists can also get
in touch with any emergency call center and also police station within the country. The 1155 hotline number is accessible 24/7. Authorities will also be able to trace where the call is originating from. Just like your buddy, the app will help you find a location.
The app is also expected to come handy in providing tourists with up-to-date information around the clock. In so doing, it would play
an important role in promoting traditions, tourism, festivals and culture in the country.
IndoneSIa
Garuda European Gateway
Garuda Indonesia, the airline of Indonesia, further extended its presence in Europe by launching the new service from Jakarta to London via Amsterdam on the 8 September 2014, as part of the airline’s transformation program “The Quantum Leap 2011-2015”. London serves as the airline’s second gateway in the region after Amsterdam. By launching the five times weekly service to London, Garuda Indonesia is now able to provide the first direct link between Indonesia and the United Kingdom.
Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales of Garuda Indonesia Mr. Erik Meijer
commented, “We are very pleased to
be able to add London to our extensive global network. There are strong business, educational and cultural ties between Indonesia and The United Kingdom, and we believe this new service will further boost those activities amongst two countries, whilst offering easier access
for travelers from UK to Indonesia, which now is one of the fastest economic growth center in the world.”
The new service will be operated
by the state-of-the-art Boeing 777- 300ER aircraft capable of carrying 314 passengers and equipped with “Inflight Connectivity” facilities.
4 OCTOBER 2014