In Lyon, we are leveraging the power of digital technology and artificial intelligence to enrich the client experience and improve the operational efficiency of our airport network.
With already more than one flight taking off every second around the world, air traffic is expected to double by 2037 and even triple by 2050, according to forecasts by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Such phenomenal growth will bring with it a number of challenges if we are to successfully handle the projected passenger volumes over the coming years. As such, it is essential to modernise existing infrastructure and systems. -> il faut aussi évoquer la partie environnementale.
We tap into new technology to deploy innovative tools that make our airport infrastructure increasingly smart, optimise flow management and improve the passenger experience.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport, operated by VINCI Airports (VINCI Concessions), forms the vanguard in our network with respect to innovation. There, we test cutting-edge digital technology, biometrics and artificial intelligence before the solutions are rolled out to the airports we manage all around the world.
There are many innovations we are incubating at Lyon to make the airport of the future smarter, faster and less restrictive.
Simplifying the parking experience with Stan
We were the first company to trial the robot valet service, Stan, designed by the French startup Stanley Robotics. The robot is able to park users’ cars and bring them back upon their return, meaning the cars can be parked very closely together without risking any damage, thereby increasing the number of vehicles accommodated.
Facilitating airport checks with Mona
It was also at Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport we launched another world first, introducing Mona, an innovative facial recognition service that allows passengers to go through the various airport checkpoints, from baggage check-in to boarding, just by showing their face (although it does not apply to passport control). Mona also provides real-time information about flights and the passenger journey, as well as tailored services and experiences. It integrates the latest recommendations from the French data protection authority (CNIL) so passengers can rest assured their data and rights are fully protected.
Promoting phygital processing with Smart Welcome
With a view to digitising the passenger journey, we are also trialling a new solution, Smart Welcome, which offers a phygital processing solution in terminals. It enables passengers to find answers to frequently asked questions via content that evolves depending on where they are along their journey, or to contact a person on the ground if necessary.
Reducing checking times with Parafe gates
Also as part of an effort to make the passenger journey more fluid and cut waiting times, we installed self-service automated fast-track Parafe gates, which use facial recognition technology at border controls. Designed in close collaboration with the French Interior Ministry, these gates speed up the time it takes to check passports and cut processing times fivefold.
2019
Lyon-Saint Exupéry, operated by VINCI Airports (VINCI Concessions), was named Europe’s best airport for service quality.
