Transforming the travel experience
It’s the belief that the time we spend in airports should have a positive impact on our health and well-being that inspired Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – one of the world’s most innovative airports – to ask Philips to help revamp its G7 departure gate. Revealed just yesterday, departure concept gate G7 is a step forward in improving the travel experience. It applies Philips’ expertise in Ambient Experience solutions in which architecture and technology are integrated to create an environment that can be adapted to specific needs.
Based on insights collected from passengers and other stakeholders, including airport ground staff and security personnel, it was clear a new approach was necessary to increase airline efficiency and enhance passenger’s travel experience to eliminate stress, increase comfort and relaxation, as well as providing them with a feeling of well-being.
A people-focused solution
Today, gate G7 is an innovative step forward in transforming the experience. Unlike the traditional set-up, people are greeted first by airline staff at a special reception area before being smoothly guided through a discreet security screening process. New features such as chairs that people can sit on while putting their shoes back on have also been added. After passing through security a new-style seating area which includes integrated lighting and audio to guide people to the right place, at the right time, as well as new areas where people can work, and an enhanced comfort zone for first-class passengers. To increase the visibility of the airline – which most people see as their hosts at the airport – the lighting at the gate reflects the colors of the airline. This creates a feeling of real continuity for the passenger – and, as an added benefit, increases the visibility of the airline’s brand.
And to enable you to pass your time more pleasurably in the waiting area, the walls feature “living magazines”, including information about the destination, local attractions, restaurants and hotels, as well as clips from the airline’s corporate video and boarding information. “The main challenge was to merge individual passenger needs with airline hospitality requirements and workflow efficiency for security,” says Jos Stuyfzand, Director Ambient Experience Design. “By integrating programmable lighting scenarios and large video displays into a complete new interior design we have created a highly flexible and immersive experience. Lighting and animated video intuitively guide passengers through a seamless security and boarding process. These unique features differentiate the airline hospitality experience. ”
A new generation
Schiphol’s brand new innovative gate concept is currently undergoing a three month trial in which the experiences of the passengers using the gate and passing through the process will be assessed. Their feedback will form the basis for a new generation of departure gates at Schiphol that will enhance the travel experience of air passengers and the airport’s reputation as one of the most innovative and passenger-friendly in the world.
Partners in innovation
The development of the new G7 departure gate is a great example of how Philips innovation partners, Philips Design and Philips Applied Technologies, and Philips product solutions (LED lighting and multi-media) can bring unique, people-focused innovations to life.
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