DIGITAL SIGNAGE FOR AIRPORTS/PORTS
DIGITAL SIGNAGE FOR AIRPORTS
/PORTS
Engaging your passengers – video displays
Speed, efficiency and agility are vital when planning scalable visual displays and with many years of experience within the sector, we will support you every step of the way, from planning, survey, installation and ongoing support, enabling you to seamlessly share critical information in multiple locations.
Improve every aspect of your overall passenger experience with purpose-built digital signage platforms.
From flight information display systems (FIDs), baggage information display systems (BIDs) and gate information display systems (GIDs) through wayfinding, advertising and more—we have the solutions your customers expect.
- Display important messages/safety/weather/travel changes
- Share key information
- Scale and branding
- Work from a central location
- Advertising
- Celebrations/customer experience
- Directional/wayfinding
Digital surfaces and mediatecture are crucial for airport and port architects. Digital spaces are no longer an afterthought but are integrated into the planning process from the beginning. This ensures seamless integration of digital signage into the construction.
Benefits of Digital Signage in Airports
Facilitated Wayfinding
Facilitated wayfinding is a significant advantage of using digital signage in airports. By intuitively guiding passengers through the airport complex, digital signage reduces confusion and improves the overall travel experience. These interactive displays can provide real-time updates on flight status, gate changes, and baggage claim locations, ensuring passengers have access to critical information when they need it. Digital wayfinding tools can include detailed maps and directional instructions, which can be customised to each passenger’s journey. This use of digital technology not only enhances the passenger’s experience but also increases the efficiency of airport operations by reducing the need for staff intervention and potential congestion.
Real-time Announcements
Real-time announcements play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger experience at airports. With digital signage, important updates such as changes in flight schedules, boarding times, and gate numbers can be swiftly communicated to passengers. These notifications are especially crucial in instances of sudden alterations or delays. Apart from flight-related details, passengers can also be readily informed about emergency procedures, weather conditions, and special offers and promotions at various airport facilities. In essence, the dynamic nature of digital signage enables airports to ensure that passengers are always well-informed, helping to alleviate the stress often associated with air travel.
Enhanced Visitor Experience
Digital signage dramatically enhances the visitor experience at airports. By providing clear, accessible, and up-to-date information, signage systems alleviate passenger stress and increase satisfaction levels. The technology allows for personalisation, featuring multi-language support, accessibility options, and tailored content that takes into account the needs of a diverse range of passengers. Moreover, digital signage can also be used for promotional purposes, displaying advertisements for airport services, amenities, and retail outlets. This not only benefits passengers by keeping them informed about available services but also generates additional revenue for the airport. In essence, digital signage transforms the airport environment into a more customer-centric space, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free journey for every passenger.
Multi-screen Managing
A distinct advantage of digital signage in airports is the ability to manage multiple screens from a single, central location. This functionality significantly streamlines the process of disseminating real-time information to passengers across various parts of the airport. Whether it’s flight status updates, safety messages, advertisements, or wayfinding information, content can be instantly updated or modified on all screens simultaneously. This ensures the consistent and timely delivery of information to passengers, regardless of their location within the airport. Furthermore, the centralised management of digital signage reduces the need for individual screen maintenance, thus saving time and resources. In effect, multi-screen managing enhances operational efficiency and contributes to overall passenger satisfaction by facilitating seamless communication and information flow.
Dynamic Content Updates
Digital signage in airports provides a dynamic platform for the real-time updating of content. This means that there’s no longer a need to manually update information or wait for long durations for the renderings to get updated. With a robust media player driving the digital signage, updates about flight timings, gate changes, or weather conditions could be made in an instant and broadcast throughout the airport. This ability to swiftly alter the content ensures that the passengers, airport staff, and even individuals in the waiting areas are kept abreast with the correct and most recent information at all times. This dynamic nature of digital signage not only reduces the chances of misinformation but also enhances the overall efficiency of airport operations. It plays a key role in improving the passenger experience, keeping them informed, and reducing their stress during travel.
Different Types of Airport Digital Signs
Arrivals and Departures
Arrivals and departures boards are the cornerstone of airport digital signage. They provide passengers with real-time information about incoming and outgoing flights, ensuring they have the most up-to-date details at their fingertips. These boards display a wide range of crucial information, including destination cities, flight numbers, expected times of arrival or departure, check-in desks, gate numbers, and flight statuses. The digital nature of these displays enables immediate updates in response to any changes, providing an invaluable resource for passengers. In addition, these boards can also feature multi-language options, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of global travellers. By seamlessly combining information delivery with intuitive design, arrivals and departures boards contribute significantly to facilitating a smooth and stress-free airport experience.
Live Flight Information
Live flight information digital signage screens are another essential component within airports. These screens provide passengers with real-time updates about their flights, including exact arrival and departure times, gate assignments, and any potential delays or cancellations. By prominently displaying this information, airports can keep passengers informed, thereby reducing uncertainty and anxiety associated with wait times. Additionally, these screens can be updated instantly, ensuring that passengers always have access to the most current information. This immediate and transparent communication can significantly enhance the airport experience, making it more comfortable and less stressful for passengers. Importantly, digital displays used for live flight information can also accommodate a range of languages, catering to the diverse needs of international travellers.
Real-time Baggage Information
Real-time baggage information is another crucial feature of digital signage solutions in airports. These screens provide passengers with timely updates regarding the status and location of their checked luggage. From the moment a piece of luggage is checked in until it reaches the baggage claim area, these screens keep passengers informed about their baggage’s journey. This information helps to alleviate concerns about lost or mishandled luggage, enhancing the overall passenger experience. Furthermore, in the event of a delay or an issue with luggage, the digital signage can quickly and effectively communicate this to the passengers, allowing them to take appropriate steps. The screens can also offer tips for locating baggage claim areas, further improving wayfinding and navigation within the airport. Ultimately, real-time baggage information via digital signage contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.
Advertising Digital Screens
Advertising digital screens are a powerful medium for brands to promote their products and services within the airport. These screens showcase a variety of advertisements from global brands, local businesses, as well as airlines and in-airport services. Strategically placed in high-traffic areas, these screens capture the attention of passengers, making them an effective platform for advertisers to reach a captive audience. In addition to static ads, these screens can display rich, dynamic content such as videos and animations, thereby creating a more engaging advertising experience. Importantly, the content on these screens can be easily updated or swapped out, allowing for timely and relevant advertising campaigns. Furthermore, advertising digital screens can contribute to the airport’s revenue stream, making them a win-win solution for both the airport and advertisers.
Local Information
Local information digital screens serve to enhance the travel experience by providing passengers with valuable insights about the area. These screens can display a variety of content including local restaurant options, upcoming local events and tourist attractions, and useful services such as transportation and accommodation. For travellers new to the area or those on layovers, this information can be immensely helpful. It allows them to explore the local cuisine, participate in cultural events, or visit notable landmarks during their stay. Furthermore, these screens can also provide important details like operating hours, location maps, and contact information for the featured places and services. All in all, by offering easy access to local information, these digital signage screens play a significant role in making passengers’ journeys more enjoyable and fulfilling.
What You Need for Airport Digital Signage
Digital Displays
Digital Displays form the backbone of any effective digital signage system. These are the screens where all the vital information and advertising content is displayed for passengers. They come in various sizes and types, catering to different needs and areas within the airport.
For instance, large format screens or video walls are often used for major displays like arrivals and departures boards, given their high visibility and impact. These video walls can transform an ordinary airport area into an extraordinary information hub, providing passengers with an easy-to-view display of critical information.
Meanwhile, smaller displays may be used for more targeted information such as displaying local information or advertising. These screens should be high-definition, ensuring clear visibility, and have the ability to display dynamic content such as moving images or videos. With advancements in technology, many digital displays now also feature interactive capabilities, giving passengers a more immersive and interactive experience. These displays need to be durable and reliable, as they need to operate continuously in a demanding environment.
FIDS Displays
FIDS Displays or Flight Information Display Systems are one of the most critical features of airport digital signage. They are specifically designed to relay real-time flight information to passengers. These displays showcase a variety of details such as flight numbers, estimated departure and arrival times, boarding gate numbers, and flight status updates. The data presented is continually updated to reflect the most accurate and current information. This allows passengers to stay informed about their flights and make necessary adjustments to their plans promptly if needed. More sophisticated FIDS displays can cater to a diverse array of languages, supporting the multicultural passenger footfall at airports. By ensuring accurate and efficient dissemination of flight information, FIDS displays play a vital role in streamlining the airport experience for travellers.
Waiting Displays
Waiting Displays are a crucial element of airport digital signage, specifically designed to manage perceived wait times and enhance passenger satisfaction. Often located in boarding areas, these displays can present real-time flight updates, gate changes, and also showcase engaging content such as news, weather updates, or trivia. This dual-pronged approach not only keeps passengers informed but also helps to mitigate the tedium of waiting. By fostering a sense of time passing, these waiting displays can significantly reduce perceived wait times, leading to a more positive airport experience. In the event of unexpected gate or platform changes, these displays can communicate vital information promptly, minimizing confusion and ensuring passengers can navigate to their new locations without hassle.
Digital Signage Players
Digital Signage Players serve as the driving force behind the digital screens, controlling and managing the content that is displayed. These devices connect to the screens and deliver the data, images, videos, or live feeds to be shown. They are usually managed through a central content management system (CMS), which allows operators to control what is displayed on each screen, at what time, and in what order. More advanced digital signage players can even adjust the content based on factors such as time of day, location, or audience demographics. This makes it possible to target specific messages or advertisements to certain audiences or at certain times, maximising their effectiveness. Also, by supporting a range of media formats and having the capability for both online and offline operation, these players ensure that the digital signage system can function effectively under a variety of conditions. In essence, digital signage players are integral to running a successful and efficient digital signage operation in airports.
Digital Signage Software
Digital Signage Software is the brain of the airport signage system, powering the function, control, and performance of all the digital displays throughout the airport. This software supports the seamless integration of different content types – from flight information and gate changes to advertising and local insights. It enables the scheduling and automated management of content across various screens, ensuring that the right messages reach the right audience at the right time. The software provides an intuitive interface that enables efficient management of dynamic content and also features capabilities for remote monitoring and updates, which is essential for a bustling environment like an airport. More advanced airport signage software allows for interactive content, enhancing passenger engagement and experience. The software’s scalability makes it suitable for airports of all sizes, and its reliability ensures uninterrupted operation, helping to facilitate smooth airport operations and improve passenger satisfaction.
How Airport Signage Helps the Aviation Industry
Accessibility for Special Ability Passengers
Accessibility for Special Ability Passengers is an essential aspect of airport signage. Advanced airport signage software enhances the airport experience for passengers with special needs, ensuring they can navigate the airport facilities with ease. Signage can include audible announcements for those with visual impairments and high-contrast, large-text displays for passengers with limited vision. Interactive touchscreens featuring braille and speech output are another crucial feature that can aid visually impaired passengers. For hearing-impaired passengers, visual alerts and messages that signal changes, boarding times, and emergency notifications can be displayed prominently. By incorporating these inclusive elements, airport signage software promotes an environment of accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring all passengers, irrespective of their physical abilities, have a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Better Security
Better Security is a paramount feature achieved through efficient airport signage systems. Enhanced digital signage can contribute significantly to the overall security of an airport. These systems can be leveraged to display safety instructions, evacuation routes, and emergency alerts promptly, enhancing the preparedness of passengers during critical situations. Furthermore, in the event of security threats, digital signage can provide real-time updates and directions to passengers, thus aiding in efficient crowd management. Certain advanced systems even have integrated facial recognition technologies that can support security staff in detecting and tracking suspicious activities. Thus, airport signage systems, apart from improving passenger experience and facilitating operations, also play a crucial role in bolstering the security measures at airports.
Language Translation
Language Translation is a vital feature that can be incorporated into airport digital signage systems. In an environment where individuals from various linguistic backgrounds converge, it’s essential to deliver information in multiple languages. Advanced digital signage software can automatically translate the displayed information into several languages, significantly enhancing the accessibility of the information for international passengers. Furthermore, these translations can not only cover textual data but can also include audio announcements in various languages. This feature ensures that vital information, such as flight updates, gate changes, safety instructions, and emergency alerts, can be effectively communicated to all passengers, regardless of their linguistic background. In essence, language translation capabilities within digital signage systems contribute greatly to a smooth, seamless, and inclusive airport experience.
Waiting Made Less Daunting
Waiting Made Less Daunting is another significant advantage brought about by innovative airport digital signage systems. Long waits and layovers are an inevitable part of the airport experience, often leading to passenger frustration. However, strategic use of digital signage can transform this waiting time into an engaging, informative, and even enjoyable experience. Real-time flight updates, news feeds, weather forecasts, local tourism information, and entertainment content can be displayed on the screens, keeping passengers informed and occupied. Interactive features such as touchscreens can also be used to provide passengers with access to services, shopping, dining, and entertainment options within the airport. This not only helps in reducing perceived waiting time but also improves the overall passenger experience, making the time spent at the airport less daunting and more enjoyable.
Why D&A Media is the Best Choice for Your Airport Digital Signage Solutions
With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, D&A Media stands as a trusted leader in delivering innovative airport digital signage solutions. Our longevity in the industry is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We understand the unique challenges of the aviation industry and have honed our expertise to develop solutions that meet these specific needs.
Our deep-rooted knowledge in the field allows us to craft digital signage software that is robust, intuitive, and capable of catering to the complexities of airport information systems. This expertise, coupled with our dedication to staying abreast of the latest technological advancements, ensures we deliver top-notch solutions that enhance the overall efficiency of airport operations and significantly improve the passengers’ experience.
Choose D&A Media for airport signage solutions that you can rely on, backed by three decades of industry experience and technological mastery.
F.A.Q.s
How do I improve my airport digital signage?
Improving your airport digital signage can be achieved through several ways. Firstly, ensure the information displayed is timely, accurate, and crucial to passengers, such as real-time flight updates, boarding gates, and luggage carousel information. Secondly, signage should be placed strategically at high-traffic points and intersections to maximise visibility. Thirdly, the design should be clear and high-contrast to facilitate easy readability at a glance. Incorporating interactive features and real-time language translation capabilities can also greatly enhance the utility of the signage. Lastly, regular maintenance and timely updates in line with technological advancements can ensure the signage system remains reliable and effective in delivering its function.
What are the roles of airport signage at boarding gates?
Airport signage at boarding gates serves multiple important roles. Primarily, they provide essential information like flight number, destination, boarding time, and gate number to guide passengers in boarding their respective flights correctly and on time. They often display real-time updates about any flight changes, delays, or cancellations. Beyond conveying flight-related information, these signs can also display safety instructions, airport maps, information about airport amenities, and emergency notifications. Furthermore, they can be used to manage and streamline the boarding process by displaying boarding group numbers or zones, thus promoting an orderly and efficient boarding procedure. In essence, airport signage at boarding gates significantly contributes to a seamless and stress-free boarding experience for passengers.
What is transit signage at an international airport?
Transit signage at an international airport is a critical component of airport navigation systems, specifically designed to guide passengers who are transiting through the airport to their connecting flights. These signs provide clear directions to various terminals, gates, lounges, and other key areas within the airport. They also display crucial information such as the distance or walking time to different gates, helping passengers to plan their transit time effectively. Moreover, these signs often include multilingual translations or universal symbols to cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of international passengers. By directing passengers efficiently and reducing the stress of navigating unfamiliar surroundings, transit signage plays an integral role in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transit experience at international airports.
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