Hamad International Airport (HIA) has announced that it is implementing latest technologies such as robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets to optimise passenger and employee safety in preparation for post-COVID-19 travel.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport said: “HIA has adapted to the changes brought on by the spread of COVID-19 on the world, especially on the travel sector. Recovery plans have been put in place with priority given to the safety and comfort of travellers and employees. These plans include the use of the latest advanced technology to achieve the highest safety standards for the future travel experience.”
Utilising latest technology and tools, HIA will continue to conduct thermal screening and disinfection procedures for all staff and passengers travelling through the airport.
The Smart Screening Helmet is a wearable intelligent helmet, which is portable, safe and effective, and enables contactless temperature measurement. The helmet uses infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) display, and also enables implementation of mobile deployment-based control scenarios.
HIA has also invested in disinfectant robots, which are fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV-C light, known to be effective in eliminating majority of infectious microorganisms. According to the airport, the robots are being deployed in vulnerable high passenger flow areas to reduce the spread of pathogens.
Moreover, HIA has invested in ultraviolet disinfection tunnels that will be used to disinfect all checked-in passenger luggage. The airport will also conduct regular disinfection of all baggage trolleys and tubs.
Passengers will be provided with hand sanitisers readily available at key locations. The airport will continue to maintain 1.5m social distancing across all passenger touch points around the airport, through floor markings, signage and distance seating. All HIA retail and food and beverage outlets will encourage cashless transactions through cards and the airport is also considering introducing online or in-app purchases in the future.
The circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are continuously evolving. Our friends at APEX have a dedicated COVID-19 page, which they’ll be updating regularly to help keep you up-to-date on how the novel coronavirus is impacting the aviation industry. Visit the page for the very latest news >>
