# How Smart Airports Are Transforming the Future of Passenger Experiences

The aviation industry is soaring to new heights, and airports have an exciting opportunity to embrace the challenges of this evolution.

The modern world of air travel presents unprecedented challenges for airports. With air passenger traffic set to double over the coming decades, managing capacity effectively will be a critical concern. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI), [airport operations](/products/delmia/aerospace-defense "DELMIA Aerospace & Defense Solutions") must adapt to accommodate these **increasing passenger volumes**.

(AD) Consider the Scope of This Challenge:

- Commercial air transport has expanded six times faster than ground transport since 1960.
- By 2037, an estimated 8.2 billion people will travel by air globally.
- In the U.S., airports will need to handle approximately 330 million passengers annually within the next two decades—equivalent to the current U.S. population.

Passengers now have higher expectations for their travel experiences, necessitating greater operational efficiency throughout the journey. Recent global health crises have further complicated these operational challenges. Addressing these demands requires innovative airport management solutions driven by technology, [sustainability](/industries/aerospace-defense/achieve-sustainability-through-innovation "Achieve Sustainability through Innovation"), and enhanced passenger experiences.

 ![How smart airports transform passenger experience > Mobile Infographic > Dassault Systèmes®](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-06/ad-how-smart-airports-transform-passenger-experience-mobile-infographic-320x3499.jpg.webp?itok=fHbITn81)

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 ![How smart airports transform passenger experience > Desktop Infographic > Dassault Systèmes®](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2024-06/ad-how-smart-airports-transform-passenger-experience-desktop-infographic-1440x6147.jpg)

<a class="ds-btn-- has-icon ds-btn" href="" itemscope="" itemtype="http://tracking.3ds.com/ClickAction" target="_self">   View Infographic     </a>

(AD) Redefining the Airport Experience

Increasing passenger numbers place significant pressure on airports, many of which operate within aging infrastructures. Historically, baggage carousels, moving walkways, and boarding gates symbolized modern air travel, but today's airports struggle to meet new consumer expectations with these outdated systems.

A successful future passenger experience will incorporate digital technology, biometric tracking, bagless journeys, and data-optimized operations.

(AD) What Will the Passenger Experience of the Future Look Like?

(AD) Embracing Digitalization

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2024-06/ad-demonstrating-128x128.jpg)

(AD) Personalized Experiences

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2024-06/ad-user-interface-128x128.jpg)

(AD) Bagless Journeys

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2024-06/ad-satisfaction-focus-128x128.jpg)

(AD) Realizing a Smart Airport

Building new airports with additional runways, gates, and facilities is one solution, but it involves extensive planning, construction time, and significant costs. A more feasible solution lies in integrating dedicated airport management solutions with existing operations. These solutions can transform current infrastructures into smart airports of the future, utilizing scalability, configurability, and automation tools underpinned by the [**virtual twin**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qkcif3zDjQ), the artificial intelligence and the machine learning.

(AD) Transform Your Airport Operations with a Smart Airport Today

Smart airports are crucial for the future of air travel. Transitioning existing operations to a smart airport requires time, effort, and investment. Discover how you can enhance your airport's efficiency now!

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How future airports will manage air travel capacity?

See the challenges that the airports will face in the 21st century and the answers that the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform will bring.

[Future airport Panel](/media/4478)

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(AD) FAQ

What is a Digital Airport?

A digital airport includes:

- **Digital Tools for Passengers:** Mobile apps for check-ins, digital boarding passes, self-service kiosks, and online platforms for booking lounges or pre-ordering food.
- **Streamlined Processes:** Automated check-in and baggage drop, biometric security screening, and real-time updates on flights and gate changes.
- **Data-Driven Operations:** Utilizing sensors and data collection to optimize passenger flow, manage resources efficiently, and improve overall operations.

What are the Benefits of Smart Airports?

- Minimize delays and bottlenecks to maintain schedule integrity.
- Enable proactive resource management.
- Enhance the flight experience by ensuring smooth passenger flow.
- Provide staff with tools to deliver superior service.

## (AD) Explore our Industry Solutions Experiences

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