Airus Media
Formally AirportONE
Our Airport Virtual Assistants offer numerous advantages to airports - both large and small.
With larger airports, the most important advantage relates to security prescreening. As we all know, security lines are getting longer and longer. We have found that Ava is extremely effective in capturing attention. Passengers seem to be amazed by the technology, and it appears that they most definitely listen to the message being delivered.
Why is this so important for security prescreening?
It's because you now have a very effective tool to get passengers ready for security screening, prior to the point of reaching the inspection "choke" point.
Ava can deliver simple messages such as "you can speed up the inspection process by removing all items in your pockets and placing them in your carry-on baggage". So often, we see passengers doing this at the very last-minute at the security checkpoint, when it actually could have been done while waiting in the queue, while lines of other passengers behind them wait. I believe that anything that could be done to assist passengers in preparing early for security screening will speed up the final process and reduce overall wait times and improve efficiency. Our security avatars are designed to be portable so they can be placed at any point in security line. Also, for some airports, a chokepoint exists after screening prior to the the redress area. One airport is exploring the possibility of placing AVATARS immediately following the inspection point to move passengers to the redressed area quickly.
Other applications for airports are numerous; however, a few of the most popular are customer service, airport ambassadors, airport promotion and advertising, safety during construction, wayfinding signage, and many others. There are also applications for small airports such as GA security. As a former airport consultant for over thirty years, I understand how airports work and believe this type of tool has virtually unlimited uses.
Which airports are your AVA's based?
Airus Media, Inc. has an extensive aviation client base. I'm not at liberty to release all of our client information, however; we have completed airport avatar installations at San Antonio International Airport, Destin - Fort Walton Airport,and JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International Airports. We are currently working with one of the busiest airports in the world to install AVATARS in a way finding application and have pending contracts with numerous other airports.
Airus Media is the creator of AVA. We produce, and manufacturer all aspects of the avatar. This saves our clients time and money and results in a much better product.
What is the cost of an AVA - outright cost and running costs?
The Sky is the limit when it comes to features, and costs. Airus Media avatars range from basic to advanced with voice recognition technology and integration with flight information systems. Basic versions start at about $20,000 USD for single units. The price for multiple units of the same avatar decreases dramatically depending on the number of units. Maintenance costs are practically nonexistent. Vandalism has been a potential concern; however, design features can be incorporated to minimize the possibility of damage due to vandalism.
What are the benefits for passengers?
Numerous - including less waiting time, enhanced safety and security, better customer service, less confusion and easier way finding.
What is the reaction like from passengers and staff?
Reaction from passengers has been very positive. Most passengers are absolutely amazed by the technology and definitely listen to the message. Sometimes it literally stops people in their tracks.
Do staff feel like they are being replaced?
That has been a concern; however, staff have generally learned quickly that the avatar is meant to supplement their efforts and free them up for more more complicated tasks, or tasks that require human interaction.
Have there been any negative reactions to the AVAs?
There have been a few; however, its usually statements such as "it's freaky". More importantly; however, it appears that these people still get the message, which is the purpose of the avatar.
What is the future of AVAs?
I think within several years you will see them just about everywhere. I believe that in approximately 5 to 10 years they will still be effective in wayfinding, security, and other airport related tasks; however, they will not have the degree of profound impact that they have today since passengers will eventually become used to them. Nevertheless, they will still be effective.
Will we see full interactivity - similar to say iPhone’s Siri?
Definitely. The technology is there. It’s just a matter of budget.
Do the current AVAs have voice recognition?
There are none in service at this point; however, some clients have expressed an interest. It’s just a matter of budget.
Have you got any new airports on board?
Where will we be seeing your AVAs next?
Yes, we have many new airports and a major government agency on board; however, we believe it’s always better to allow the client to announce their programs. I can tell you that in the very near future you will be seeing AVA at one of the busiest airports in the world and at many other aviation facilities.
If you have any questions regarding AVA or our other products, please use our Contact form or call and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.