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Shawn Richards, CEO of Ink Innovation, made a guest appearance on the TouristikNews Podcast. Delving deep into the future of aviation, Shawn gives us a glimpse into what's on the horizon for airports globally. His insights span from the power of biometrics to the unique potential of the African and Arabian aviation markets. The episode is hosted by Sven Klawunder of MODI, a key player in non-contact biometrics whose solutions have proven crucial for enhancing Ink's product suite.
Hit the play button below to listen to the full conversation, or continue reading for a breakdown of the key takeaways.
The end of check-in queues: Automation and biometrics as the future
'The enemy here is queuing - we're attacking desks and counters. We think there can be a far more streamlined and automated handling process. And biometrics have a key part to play in speeding up the identification of passengers.'
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
As we emerge from the pandemic, the movement towards a paperless, more efficient passenger handling process is inevitable. Imagine stepping into an airport where check-in and bag drop queuing is a thing of the past, with automation and biometrics taking centre stage. Self-service becomes the norm, and staff are free to provide more personalised assistance.
Daring to disrupt
‘The airports, airlines have to be brave in order to try new things. Because if you keep repeating the same old thing, you get the same result.’
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
A discrepancy between resources and demand is leading to severe queuing and processing issues. However, addressing inefficiencies in airports requires more than just a change in resources - it demands a radical shift in the approach. Technology can be the key to tackling bottlenecks, but without the courage to experiment, adapt and improve, the traditional processing system will not be transformed.
Redefining identification in aviation: A look beyond One ID
‘The organisations that stand to benefit from biometrics can't wait for One ID. [...] We are ahead of that and prepared to work backwards to support One ID when it arrives because the work we're doing with MODI cannot wait for that specification.’
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
Initiatives like IATA’s One ID are undeniably crucial for the industry's future, yet there is a risk of over-specification and slow progress due to the many stakeholders involved. Meanwhile, forward-thinking companies like Ink Innovation and MODI cannot afford to sit idly. Instead, they forge ahead, developing technology that will be ready to sync with emerging standards.
Leapfrogging into the future: Africa's untapped aviation potential
‘When you look at Africa, it's one of those markets where you can understand the very quick jump from not having any infrastructure or not having great infrastructure, to [...] going straight to mobile, 4G, broadband and things like that. Aviation is no different. [...] Why not just jump? Instead of redeveloping and reinstalling a huge amount of fixed infrastructure - fixed infrastructure should be limited to self-service devices.’
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
Africa, with its vast landmass and upwardly mobile population, offers a unique landscape for transformative growth in the aviation sector. Instead of walking the traditional path of aviation infrastructure development, Africa has the potential to leapfrog directly to advanced solutions, including wide-scale self-service and mobile technologies.
Setting new standards in aviation: Saudi Arabia ventures
‘At the pace at which things are going, there is no reason why that couldn't be the gold standard [...]. Because, again, they have a clean slate, they have the investment ability, they have the foresight.’
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a significant player in the aviation sector. They are focusing on modernisation and advanced technologies such as digital ID and biometrics, potentially paving the way for new global standards in passenger processing and airport efficiency. The momentum they are generating could reshape the aviation landscape, pushing the industry towards a more technologically advanced and efficient future.
Ink Innovation: Breaking boundaries in multimodal travel
‘When we engineer all of our solutions, we're thinking of multimodal travel. So we're not just thinking of aviation at all. As a matter of fact, we changed our company name from “Ink Aviation” to “Ink Innovation” for a reason. It's because we don't just want to focus on aviation.’
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
Ink has set its sights far beyond the aviation sector. As Shawn explains, our vision for the future involves bringing innovative technology to a range of sectors, including rail and the cruise industry. At the heart of Ink’s approach is the concept of 'delivery' - making sure customers receive what they paid for. As we expand our scope, we envision a future where multimodal travel is integrated and efficient.
The small revolution: How compact tech is disrupting the travel industry
‘Focusing on small makes you think, what is the minimum amount of technology [...] you can introduce to make the process as invisible as possible?’
Shawn Richards
Chief Executive Officer of Ink Innovation
In the ever-evolving landscape of aviation technology, companies like Ink Innovation and MODI are pioneering an approach of 'less is more'. It is not about massive changes that overhaul existing systems but rather about making small, smart tweaks to the existing infrastructure. The cooperation between the two innovators leads to faster, smoother, and more logical airport operations, ultimately enhancing the user experience.
Inspired by Shawn’s insights? Click the button to learn how Ink Innovation can bring the future of aviation to your airport:
