Singapore Changi Airport is introducing a range of new contactless and cleaning measures as it prepares for the return of normal passenger numbers.
The new contactless measures are for three parts of the passenger experience:
- Self-service check-in and bag drop
- Immigration
- Cleaning and disinfecting
Self-service check-in
More than 160 self-service kiosks across Terminals 1 and 3 will be fitted with proximity sensors so that passengers do not need to touch the screens when they check in or drop off their bags. Used for the first time in any airport, infrared sensors will enable passengers to select options and key in their travel details by pointing their finger close to the screen without touching it.
For those who need to check in at counters staffed by customer service agents, acrylic screens will provide a safe barrier between passengers and staff.
Immigration
Changi’s contactless passenger experience will also extend to immigration. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority has upgraded the automated immigration lanes at Changi Airport with a new biometric system that uses face and iris recognition technology as the primary means for identity verification. This replaces the fingerprint scanning methods used until now.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Changi is also doing more with technology to clean and disinfect the airport. Autonomous cleaning robots in the terminals have been upgraded with a nozzle that sprays a light disinfecting mist for added protection on carpets and floors during cleaning.
The airport is also testing the use of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) LEDs to disinfect the handrails of escalators and travellators in a safe way.
A trial is also being conducted on the use of contactless infrared technology for passenger lifts, where passengers just need to hover their finger over the lift button to activate it.
Other COVID-19 precautions
Changi Airport has already introduced precautionary measures against Covid-19. These include: temperature screening at key points
- safe distancing
- use of masks by all passengers and staff
- increased cleaning and disinfecting
- introduction of sensor-activated “auto” hand sanitisers
- long-lasting antimicrobial spray on frequently touched surfaces
Mr Tan Lye Teck, Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Airport Management:
“Passengers will expect airports to deliver the highest standards of safety and hygiene to give them peace of mind during their journey, and we will rapidly bring on board new measures as we go into a new normal for air travel. The improvements we announce today demonstrate CAG’s continuous commitment to passenger health and a positive airport experience. CAG will work with other aviation partners to instill a high sense of confidence among travellers going through Changi Airport when air travel eventually resumes.”
N.B. Image credit: All images are copyright Changi Airport Group
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