Dutch carrier KLM has released a
route planner app to help passengers transfer at Amsterdam Schiphol
airport. The technology marks the first time an airline has used beacon
technology to provide an indoor navigation service for travellers.
On arrival at Schiphol, passengers must first connect to the airport’s free wifi service, which launched last month
Then, when passing a navigation beacon,
those with the KLM smartphone app will receive a notification asking if
they would like assistance finding their gate. The app then displays the
route they need to take and the estimated time and distance to walk
there.
KLM has been installing beacons at gates, in lounges and along the hallways in Schiphol airport.
The app is currently available to
download onto Android smartphones, and will be available for Apple iOS
devices by the end of the year.
Martijn van der Zee, Air France-KLM’s
senior vice-president of e-commerce, said: “Customer feedback,
especially on social media, has told us that passengers, even
experienced travellers, often worry about transferring to another
flight.
“Sixty-seven per cent of our passengers
at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are transfer passengers, and with this new
service, KLM aims to improve customers’ travel experience.”
