For the first time, world travelers passing through Portland International Airport (PDX) can orient themselves with the airport long before their luggage is packed, thanks to a groundbreaking customer service program….
For the first time, world travelers passing through Portland International Airport (PDX) can orient themselves with the airport long before their luggage is packed, thanks to a groundbreaking customer service program.
Today, PDX, Airports Council International (ACI) of Geneva, Switzerland, and Airport Travel Video Technologies, Inc. (ATV) of Santa Barbara, Calif., unveiled Airport Wayfinder, a 3-D animated visual information program using the latest Internet streaming video technologies. The PDX Airport Wayfinder provides travelers with a virtual tour of the airport and outlines domestic and foreign passenger services and security procedures.
The launch of Airport Wayfinder at PDX means that airport customer service begins long before a passenger arrives at our terminal, said Jane DeMarco, PDX customer service manager. With this technology, our customers will know how the airport works in advance, decreasing anxieties about air travel and increasing the excitement about visiting Portland and beyond.
Watching Airport Wayfinder, travelers virtually walk through PDX facilities, which are viewed in an animated and realistic way, using advanced visualization software and `wayfinding` techniques. The Airport Wayfinder familiarizes travelers with important arrival and departure processes, parking and ground transportation options, locations to claim checked baggage, and locations to meet loved ones. International passengers, in particular, will benefit from detailed presentations about passport control procedures, customs clearance, and security checks and flight transfers.
By experiencing PDX through Airport Wayfinder, a first-time traveler to the airport will have the feeling that they`ve been there before. Producing what ACI has termed a recognition effect, Airport Wayfinder answers many questions and allays concerns that often occur prior to air travel. Consequently, a traveler is more relaxed and is likely to optimize their use of airport facilities.
The Internet is the number one tool for airports to communicate with their customers, before they travel, said Andreas Schimm, ACI project manager. By offering this latest technology, PDX continues to belong to the most progressive airports in the U.S. and world. ACI is proud to have PDX as its Airport Wayfinder launch customer.
Airport Wayfinder(tm) was recently showcased to airline industry representatives at ACI`s North America Marketing and Communications conference and 2004 JumpStart program, hosted by the Port of Portland, the operator of PDX. ACI-North America represents one of six world Voice of Airports, for local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ACI focuses primarily on international aviation issues while concurrently supporting the services and programs of the members in each of its six regions. The Airport Wayfinder program is available to airports only under an exclusive license agreement with ACI-Geneva World Headquarters.
Behind the technology that brought Airport Wayfinder(tm) to virtual life, ATV is the world`s leading producer of international airport arrival information for the world`s airlines, using copyrighted scripts and proprietary video animation. ATV has produced, distributed and supported in-flight viewing programs of more than 50 of the world`s leading international airports for its customers.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
