Bournemouth Airport is to launch a “pioneering” new experience in a first for the aviation industry.
Owners of the airport Regional City Airports (RCA) will launch a 360-degree video experience aimed at facilitating disabled passengers around the terminal and buildings.
The free-to-use initiative has the potential to improve the experience for the 3.6 million disabled people who fly each year from the UK.
Launched with Cranfield University, the pilot 360-video experience will provide departing passengers with the opportunity to view and orientate themselves within the airport prior to arriving at the airport.
The narrated tour guides passengers through the airport from the point of arrival, through to check-in, security and the boarding gate, showing and explaining what passengers can expect on their day of travel.
Andrew Bell, chief executive of RCA, said: “We recognise that air travel can be daunting for passengers with additional requirements, and are committed to doing everything we can to make air travel more accessible and inclusive for all our passengers.
“By providing our customers with the opportunity to explore the airport before their visit, we hope to make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful and will be closely monitoring the results at Bournemouth to see if and how the concept can be developed further.”
Dr Thomas Budd, senior lecturer in airport planning and management at Cranfield University, said: “We think this technology can have a real benefit for passengers who may benefit from planning their journey through the airport in advance.
“This can include estimating walking distances, as well as understanding the location and availability of seating areas or other facilities within the airport.
“For passengers with sensory related conditions, the tour also provides an indication of the visual and acoustic environment passengers can expect inside the airport.”
The news comes shortly after it was revealed Bournemouth Airport will receive new security screening technology “in two or three years” which will allow passengers to get through security with liquids of more than 100ml.
Passengers will be able to carry bottles of up to two litres when CT scanners that give a 3D image of what is inside passengers’ bags are installed.
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