Airports are one of the most important cogs to the local economy for their communities, but are only now getting attention for their role in building the region around them.
As commercial air travel took off, airports were seen for just a utilitarian role of transferring people from the sidewalk to the jet bridge. Little consideration was given to the building itself as cities constructed drab concrete boxes designed to shuffle people to their plane and nothing else.
Airports everywhere needs to embrace their role as the gateway to the community by embracing technology, thinking differently about their business plan and making the traveler experience paramount is key.
Airports need to enhance the terminal experience. Local leaders need to think more about what their airport is and how vital it is as the gateway to their community.
Each time someone passes through an airport, they’re getting the first and last impression of the city they’re in. First impressions mean a lot, so creating a welcoming environment representing the city is a crucial to building a positive relationship with travelers, so they’re encouraged to come back or invest economically in the city.
Technology plays a key role for transforming airports. The maturity of the digital signage technology creates new opportunity to put affordable, interactive real-time controlled messaging with travelers, which makes it easier for them to navigate the terminal, find flight information or even a place to grab a quick bite to eat before leaving.
Airports are building their concessions investments as well, making sure travelers have plenty of options to fit their needs. Fast food remains a staple in airports, but leaders are incorporating local flair into their offerings from famous institutions in the region. This allows travelers options when they fly and a chance to check out a well-known establishment if they don’t have time to visit the original location.
Airport leaders are also giving a holistic approach to the traveler experience by upgrading landside access. Valet parking takes the stress out of finding a space. Options to have your car cleaned or full of groceries when you return are now feasible services airports can offer.
And communities now see the value in better access to the community via mass transit and TNC providers like Uber and Lyft. With more options available to travelers to access the airport, it makes taking a trip less stressful and more appealing.
Airports everywhere needs to embrace their role as the gateway to the community by embracing technology, thinking differently about their business plan and making the traveler experience paramount is key to building a new generation of air travel and finding new ways to leverage the airport as a powerful economic driver.
