KLM launches terminal navigation app for Schiphol Airport

KLM is the first airline to use beacon technology to provide this indoor navigation service.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is offering a route planner for passengers transferring at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

On arrival, passengers receive a map of the airport on their smartphone, showing the route they need to take and the time required to get to the next gate. KLM is the first airline to use beacon technology to provide this indoor navigation service.

Passengers who have downloaded the KLM app will be sent a message asking if they need help to find their next gate. A map of the terminal will then be sent to the travelers phone along with directions and the time it takes to walk there.

This summer, KLM installed beacons at all piers, KLM lounges and hallways of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. KLM thoroughly tested the beacon technology with the help of customers in recent months.

Once passengers with the KLM smartphone app on their phones have switched on Bluetooth and connected to the internet, they receive a notification asking them if they need help to find their next gate when passing a beacon.

The app shows them the route they need to take. It also tells them how long it will take them to walk there, so that they can then take this into account.

The unique indoor navigation service even works if the passenger’s flight is departing from a different level. The route and time are updated every time the passenger passes a beacon.

The service is currently available for Android smartphones and will be available for iOS in the near future. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers free wifi.

Martijn van der Zee, senior vice president e-commerce for Air France KLM, said,

“Customer feedback, especially on social media, has told us that passengers – even experienced travelers – often worry about transferring to another flight. 67% of our passengers at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are transfer passengers. KLM aims to improve customers’ travel experience with this service.”

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