New Technologies in South American Airports: The Future of Air Travel

Airports in South America are preparing for a major transformation thanks to the integration of new technologies. The innovations are aimed not only at improving operational efficiency but also at optimising the passenger experience in the years to come. An Amadeus report reveals a significant increase in technology investment in the region, marking a turning point for the aviation sector.

Accelerating Technological Investment

According to the report, airports in the region will invest an average of 17.3% more in technology over the next 12 months. Priorities include migrating to cloud solutions (73%), improving the passenger experience (66%) and optimising operational performance (60%). This approach is aligned with global trends to modernise airport infrastructure and deliver a smoother experience.

Key Technologies

The technologies to be implemented include :

• Data analysis (53%): Used to improve operational decisions in real time.
• Biometrics (47%): More and more passengers will be able to pass through checkpoints without the need to present paper documents, simplifying billing, baggage delivery and boarding.
• Improving data exchanges with airlines (40%), for better collaboration and more efficient operations.

Focus on Biometrics and AI

Biometrics is becoming a central pillar, facilitating the passenger experience at airports. Nearly half of the airports in Latin America have already experimented with biometrics, and 40% plan to adopt it in the near future. According to Gustavo Murad, Director of Airports and Airline Operations in Latin America at Amadeus, biometrics are essential to providing travellers with a stress-free experience, avoiding the need to repeatedly present documents.

Airlines are also planning to modernise ramp operations (80%) to reduce aircraft turnaround times and improve punctuality. They are also adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to plan flight networks and schedules more efficiently.

Continuous Improvement of the Passenger Experience

The airline industry in Latin America is placing particular emphasis on improving the passenger experience through biometric technology and digital tools. These developments are part of an overall modernisation drive aimed at making travel more pleasant and quicker.

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This increased modernisation, accompanied by more efficient management of operations and better collaboration with airlines, promises to radically transform the way travellers interact with airport infrastructures. At a time when fluidity, safety and efficiency are becoming essential requirements for travellers, South American airports are becoming benchmarks for innovation and modernisation.

Source: Amadeus