Presentation summary:

1. IoT applications at Hong Kong International Airport

2. Other potential IoT applications

3. Conclusion

1. IoT applications at Hong Kong International Airport

1.1. RFID baggage handling system

1.1.1. Background

The baggage conveyer system stretches a total length of 34 km from the passengers’

check-in point to aircraft loading. The route shows the system complexion, and thus

a need for smart airport for more efficient baggage handling. With barcode and RFID,

the baggage will be transported into a sorting machine in order to send the baggage

to the correct aircraft.

1.1.2. System components

System components being implemented in the baggage hall area, check-in counters

and baggage reclaim carousel:

- 200+ readers

- 500+ antennas (read points)

- 250+ dual mode/ barcode handheld terminal

- 650+ RDIF bag tag printers

- Read/ Write Gen-2 RFID label

- 920-925MHz

- 120+ wireless access points

1.1.3. Benefit

It enhances processing capacity; sortation read rate increased from 80% to 97%, ie

only 3% of bags requires manual handling.

1.2. Mobile app (HKG Flight)

It is a trend that information of IoT applications will be delivered to mobile devices

which is vital in the IoT world.

1.2.1. 8 current key functions

- Real-time flight information

- Push notification on flight update

- Special announcement

- Passenger guide

- Cross boundary transportation

- Car park availability

- Shopping and dining directory

- Apple Watch support (Android Wear support is under development)

1.2.2. Planned app initiatives

- Car park e-service:

Travellers can book parking space before their arrival

- Way finding:

AAHK has invited tenders to implement iBeacons throughout the terminal for

location directory. The iBeacons technology can track users’ location and

generate directional guide to users’ current location to destination

- Virtual signage:

A digital directory will be shown as users’ point their phone camera onto the real

airport environment

- Boarding alerts

- Baggage arrival notification:

AAHK plans to assign a permanent bag tag to each passenger. In the future, when

users’ bags arrive, notification will be pushed on the mobile to minimise waiting

time at the baggage collection area

- Transportation planning

- Membership/ Loyalty programme

- e-shopping

- F&B ordering

- Mobile payment

1.3. Other initiatives

1.3.1. Trolley availability tracking using video analytics

AAHK works with HKCU and LSCM to design an algorithm to track trolley count at the

trolley station. When the count drops, a notification will be shown to request airport

staff to refill the trolley. This initiative has gone through successful trials and will be

launched in 2016.

1.3.2. PAX count/ Queuing sensors

The sensors will detect passenger flow and provide data like queue length, expected

waiting time, etc to enhance travelling service. Planned trials will be undertaken

soon.

1.3.3. iBeacon infrastructure

It provides data about users’ location, passenger flow, walk path to certain

destinations, etc. Implementation is scheduled by 2017.

1.3.4. GPS tracking

All vehicles in the airfield will be installed with a GPS tracking device to capture data

onto the cloud, and eventually provide data for analytics regarding resources

management, driving behaviour, route evaluation, etc.

2. Other potential IoT applications

2.1. Energy management

The availability of IoT-based devices and sensors will provide a much energy-efficient

solution to the multiple building management systems undertaking at the airport.

2.2. Smart maintenance

A particular signal that notifies an accurate location and timely request or reporting

for system or equipment maintenance will be another up-and-coming smart airport

application.

2.3. Aircraft turnaround management

Before an aircraft takes off, it is required to go through 16 milestones from different

parties. The system keeps all involving parties in the know with milestone status,

enhancing communications and efficient turnaround for frontline aviation staff, as

well as providing turnaround data for decision makers.

3. Conclusion

IoT technology is a strategic focus of HKIA technology roadmap. HKIA will work with

the industry to explore more use cases of IoT technology for smart airport.

The end

To learn more, please visit the presentation video at here.