Airports Company SA (ACSA) has launched a free mobile application to assist passengers in navigating its nine airports across the country - a move it says is the first of a series of "virtual airport service" introductions.
The company, which facilitates around 35 million passengers a year, says its aim with the app is to help passengers make all their travel arrangements from their smart devices. "In addition to expediting airline and parking reservations, the app puts the airport in the pocket of passengers by providing them with convenient tools to find shops and restaurants, airline, travel and traffic information, weather reports and customer care details."
ACSA says the app will also help passengers plan their alternative transport, with those travelling to Gauteng being able to synchronise with the Gautrain timetable.
The app is initially available for download on Android, Apple and Blackberry devices (with the exception of BlackBerry 10 devices, the Q and Z series).
Digital generation
ACSA chief operating officer Tebogo Mekgoe says the introduction of the company's app forms part of the first phase of its plans to introduce "such innovative measures" to improve travel efficiency at its airports.
"We believe that the Airports app enables our business to take advantage of emerging technologies on smart platforms to offer travellers a virtual airport service. Statistics show that 79% of our travellers want more self-service options. It is an effective way of using technology to respond to passenger demands."
ACSA says the development of the Airports app was informed by research findings that 39% of its customers are between the age of 16 and 35, tech-savvy and have information at their fingertips. "This generation requires information 24/7."
Mekgoe says the growth of personal mobile technology has ushered in a new era of passenger-centric service.
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