Digital and citizen focus critical to success of Western Sydney Airport region

Western Sydney Airport (WSA) and its surrounding region must focus on using emerging ICT and digital technologies to enhance user experience or it will risk becoming obsolete, according to the latest report from Arcadis, the leading global Design & Consultancy firm for natural and built assets.

The report, Western Sydney Airport: creating a smart, citizen-centric airport, discusses how WSA provides a unique opportunity to create a seamless, citizen-focused airport using emerging technologies and infrastructure. Getting the planning and design right will ensure that WSA becomes the centre piece of an interconnected, smart city region.

Greg Harrison, Business Leader Advisory and Sustainability Australia Pacific, Arcadis: “As a capital intensive, nationally significant investment, WSA has the significant benefit of being a greenfield airport. It is critical to get both the form and function of the built environment right from day one.

“The risk of not doing it right is that we create a bland, uncompetitive airport that quickly becomes outdated, disconnected and passenger unfriendly.

“A lot of people have been talking about the aerotropolis but the conversation really needs to now move onto delivering a customer-focused technology roadmap and how we can create a seamless and interconnected smart airport region.

“Can WSA harness and fully exploit the power of new technologies in an era of hyper-personalisation to deliver an interactive, inspiring and personalised experience?”

The report cites examples including the baggage drop-off system in Hong Kong, where travellers can check-in their baggage at the train station and then pick it up at their final trip destination.

“WSA has the opportunity to set the benchmark for smart airport regions around the world. Not only in terms of the application of digital technology but also getting the sustainability equation right,” Harrison said.