Ink Arabia, a recently launched joint venture between Ink Innovation and LPort in Saudi Arabia, has been featured in Logistics Middle East's latest article, "Future-ready airports: Innovations in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector." In this exclusive interview, Ink Arabia’s Managing Partner, Javed Malik, provides key insights into the technological advancements shaping the future of airport operations.
Malik discusses the impact of cloud-based and biometric systems on airport operations. These technologies streamline processes, reduce touchpoints, and enhance efficiency. He also highlights the role of biometric systems in improving airport security through pre-clearance checks and accurate identification.
Key insights from Javed Malik
- Cloud-based systems: “Cloud-based and biometrically-enabled departure control systems reduce the need for conventional check-in desks or self-service kiosks, making the passenger flow much smoother and quicker,” says Malik.
- Efficiency gains: Malik explains, “By introducing biometrics where our identification is validated before entering the airport, fewer staff are needed at check-in, freeing resources for more engaging customer interactions.”
- Enhancing security: Highlighting the security benefits, Malik states, “Biometrics is the number one way to improve and enhance security, allowing pre-clearance checks that identify potential threats before they reach the airport.”
- Investment and cost savings: Malik emphasises, “Investing in physical hardware may have initial costs, but integrating biometric check-in systems into an airline's app and adding self-service bag drops can eliminate the need for kiosks, saving significant money. Additionally, removing kiosks reduces operating costs and environmental impact.”
- Monetising space: “By replacing kiosks and check-in desks with self-bag drops, you're freeing up space for retail or other revenue-generating activities. This can further drive revenues and monetise the space itself,” Malik explains.
- Subscription-based models: “Today's subscription-based models allow you to reduce the Capex by paying an Opex-based fee and recover that from the profits these solutions help you earn. This makes it easier to justify the initial outlay to stakeholders by demonstrating ongoing savings and additional revenue streams,” Malik adds.
Under Malik's leadership, Ink Arabia aims to bring advanced technological solutions to the aviation sector, driving innovation and improving operational efficiency in regional airports.
For more details, read the full article on Logistics Middle East here.