How airports automate security processes during boarding and deplaning

In this phase of the program, we’re looking at the Boarding Route Management module and how airports can automate security processes and better control passenger flow during boarding and deplaning. 

Tackling the risks of increasing passenger traffic

Passenger traffic is expected to double in 20 years. And as passenger traffic rises, so does the number of aircraft rotations at gates every day. 

Also, many airports are adopting a common-use strategy, enabling multiple airlines to share gates and equipment. This approach maximizes resources and capacity, marking a significant step towards airports becoming true 'Service Providers' in the aviation industry. 

As more people move through the same space, secure zones are increasingly at risk. Though airport staff do their best to juggle gate procedures and passenger flow, mistakes can still happen.

For instance, someone could walk through an open door that should be locked, or an arriving passenger could get mixed in with boarding passengers due to poor passenger segregation. 

Finding ways to efficiently manage many gates at once, while also preventing possible breaches in secure zones is becoming more difficult. 

Securing doors and the cost of human error

One innocent mistake can cost an airport millions of dollars. That’s why ground handlers and airline staff are under pressure to minimize errors during the boarding of passengers and deplaning process. 

They need to ensure that doors near gates and those along the designated paths between the airport terminal and the aircraft are opened and closed correctly. If a door was not closed due to an obstruction, operators will have to manually check to make sure all doors along the designated route are properly secured. 

Operators also need to ensure the timely coordination of opening and locking doors between gates within the terminal. All doors near gates need to accommodate the various clearance levels of incoming passengers. For example, this might include passengers coming off local or international flights, as well as Schengen or non-Schengen area flights. The doors must allow these passengers to either go through immigration or straight to baggage reclaim. 

There’s a better way: automating door procedures 

Using the Synergis access control system and the Boarding Route Management module within Security Center, airports get a complete gate management system. This allows operators to proactively manage boarding and deplaning procedures while minimizing human error. 

How does the Boarding Route Management module work?

Using an interactive touchscreen, operators can launch the Boarding Route Management procedures which enable the route between the terminal and the aircraft. 

The security or operations team can easily create gate routes by grouping doors together in the Synergis system. These doors would be configured to open and close according to predefined standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

If a conflict is detected between two gate routes, the system will automatically disable the route or prevent an operator from launching that route. The system also displays all SOPs so operators can confidently handle route modifications and avoid making mistakes.

For airports of all sizes, this provides stronger border control for gates servicing both domestic and international flights. It also automates flight departure and arrival procedures, taking the stress off operators who are doing their best to secure and manage a busy airport. 

 

Up next: Looking at the impact of unattended baggage in airports

In the next module of this workshop, we’ll look at how airports can quickly detect unattended baggage and follow guided Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to resolve the incident.

See you soon!