Changi Airport’s going all high tech with its new Terminal 4, and the trend continues with the introduction of augmented reality (AR) glasses in its ramp handling operations. SATS, the airport’s largest ground handler, announced on Tuesday (Sept 5) that it will provide about 600 of its ramp handling staff with the smart glasses to allow them to access information like loading instructions in real-time.
The immediate benefit for travelers flying in and out of Changi Airport? Waiting times for flights shortened by about 15 minutes, which is always a plus. The loading time could be cut from an hour to about 45 minutes with this hands-free process that allows for better safety, accuracy and efficiency of baggage and cargo loading.
Staff on the ground currently use paper instructions and walkie-talkies to communicate, but with the AR glasses, they’ll be equipped to scan visual markers (similar to QR codes) on baggage and cargo containers, reported Channel NewsAsia. That means they’ll easily receive details like the container’s weight, unit number and allocated position within the aircraft instantly.
For flight controllers within SATS’ ramp control centre, the supervision and instruction process of handling special cargo will be smoother as well.
Developed in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore — which co-funded the development cost — this initiative saw SATS employees first testing out the smart glasses in June with four carriers, including Singapore Airlines. There are also plans to introduce the AR glasses in operations overseas, in countries like Indonesia and Hong Kong.
Watch how it works below.
