Bristol Airport is implementing a queue and flow management solution from Denmark-based BLIP Systems, which will shorten kerb-to-gate times for passengers and make airport operations more efficient.
The BlipTrack system measures passenger flow and dwell times, which lets the airport better measure how smoothly passengers can navigate the terminal.
Bristol Airport has been growing with passenger numbers exceeded the seven million milestone for the first time in the airport’s history this year, and the airport expects this growth to continue.
With help from software specialists Gentrack, Bristol will implement BLIP Systems´ BlipTrack Kerb-to-Gate Solution which will measure passenger flow from the moment travellers arrive, to when they depart on their flights, and everywhere in between.
Bristol Airport management can see both live and historical information about specific passenger traffic patterns, such as walking routes, entrance and exit usage and time spent in specific areas like car parks, check-in, security, lounges, and gates.
By reviewing the system’s reports managers will see the impact of disruptions and take action to optimise affected areas.
Accurate Wait Times
The BlipTrack system collects data in real-time, which gives airports an early warning when congestion occurs allowing them to quickly take proactive measures to reduce delays.
The system can also display accurate queue times on screens so that passengers are more aware of time to clear security.
“We wanted to introduce a state-of-the-art technical solution to the challenges airports face in improving customer flow management in the terminal. We had very high expectations prior to the introduction of the system, and I am very happy to say that the outcome has proven very successful. The system has capabilities of further enhancements which will provide other long term solutions in the future,” says Paul Davies, Operations Director, Bristol Airport.
Christian Bugislaus Carstens, Marketing Manager at BLIP Systems says: “To understand and improve individual areas of airport operations, it is important that the traveler’s journey is seen as a single process, rather than as a string of isolated events. The understanding that all individual events influence each other is key to unlocking potential gains. Accurate flow and dwell time information helps to understand, optimise and improve airport process, and to maintain acceptable waiting times” says Christian Bugislaus Carstens, Marketing Manager at BLIP Systems.
“Airport queues are amongst the most frustrating passenger experiences during a journey. By implementing BlipTrack, Bristol Airport will be able to analyse the situation in real-time as well as predict any potential issues and act accordingly,” says Ilya Burkin, Business Development Manager at Gentrack.
From Airports to Seaports
A number of airports have recently adopted the BlipTrack system including Manchester, Dublin and Edinburgh. Internationally, more than 30 international airports use the Danish technology, including Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, JFK Airport in New York, Copenhagen, Oslo, Brussels, Geneva, Cincinnati and Auckland. The solution is also implemented in road traffic in Thailand, Switzerland, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Ireland.
In recent years, the BlipTrack system has been rolled out in train stations in Holland, ski resorts in the US, amusement parks in the UK, and at events all over the world.
The BlipTrack system has also helped ease traffic flow in the city of Portsmouth and the Port of Dover.