Gatwick Airport has introduced its first passenger app as part of its plans to build a technologically advanced airport through its ‘digital transformation’ programme.

The app provides travellers with personalised flight alerts, real-time queue updates for check-in and security, airport navigation via beacons, and shopping and restaurant offers within the airport. It also offers real-time road and rail travel information, the ability to book services like Gatwick Parking, passenger pick-up and drop-off information, and more.

“Airports can be confusing spaces and Gatwick’s new app is designed to help our passengers make the most of their time at the airport,” said Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport CCO. “We believe we have improved on the best airport apps in the market, with the combination of personalised flight information, live queue times and our new beacon technology which helps people navigate seamlessly through the airport.”  

Gatwick Airport Official, which is available to download for free from both the App Store and Play Store, is just one part of Gatwick’s digital transformation programme. Other digital innovations set to arrive at the airport include chatbots, AR wayfinding, and airport-wide use of the internet of things.

“Our new app is just one of many exciting digital initiatives that our award-winning digital team is developing,” said Cathal Corcoran, Gatwick Airport CIO. “We are transforming the way airport information is communicated and will soon connect passengers to intelligent chat bots using Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other popular apps. 

“The airport’s 2000 wayfinding beacons are also a world first and have the capability to enable augmented reality wayfinding for passengers, making it easier to navigate the airport’s two terminal buildings.”