Helsinki Airport to track passenger flows with Walkbase technology
Finland's Helsinki Airport is to become the first airport to track passenger flows using new sensor systems by technology firm Walkbase.
Finland's Helsinki Airport is to become the first airport to track passenger flows using new sensor systems by technology firm Walkbase.
The installation of the new technology forms a part of an agreement between Walkbase and Finavia, the operator of Helsinki Airport.
Under the agreed terms, Walkbase has installed approximately 300 sensors throughout the entire terminal complex to track an estimated 60%-70% of people who visit the airport and leave their mobile phones with Wi-Fi turned on.
"Helsinki Airport is now the world's first airport to introduce passenger flow management technology."
The iBeacons and Wi-Fi routers monitor signals from smartphones either passively or with an app-based opt-in, ensuring complete personal data security.
Finavia passenger management vice-president Heikki Koski said: "Implementing Walkbase technology is part of our smart airport strategy, which aims to offer passengers smooth airport experience and easy transfers between Europe and Asia.
"Helsinki Airport is now the world's first airport to introduce passenger flow management technology, which covers the whole passenger pathway from car parks to departure gates."
The deal value between Finavia and Walkbase is expected to reach several hundred thousand euros over the next few years.
Walkbase CEO and co-founder Tuomas Wuoti said: "Our collaboration with Finavia also shows how a legacy service provider like an airport can still innovate and improve the way they do business, constantly evolving and willing to work with the startup culture at the heart of Finland's new digital economy."
Image: Helsinki Airport to track passenger flow with Walkbase technology. Photo: courtesy of Finavia.
