Helsinki Airport in Finland has become the most recent airport to quiet down due to advances in technology. This means announcements for flights will be made only at the gate area. The country's tourism slogan is, after all, 'Silence, Please.'
Silent airports have been gaining popularity in Europe in recent years. Through the use of technology, facilities are able to reduce noise pollution without sacrificing timely and helpful information updates.
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In Munich Airport, InfoGate kiosks allow for face-to-face, video-based conversation with a live customer representative in the traveler's language of choice. In addition, documents can be scanned, printed and exchanged between the two parties.
With the touch of a finger, passengers can tap a "you are here" display, and InfoGate's interactive signs give directions.
Many international airports now have their own apps. Most of these provide flight status updates, interactive terminal maps, weather information, security guides and other airport-specific features.
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With Bluetooth, passengers can also get information sent to them as they are going from Point A to Point B. This technology keeps passengers informed, depending on the time they are supposed to be at the gate and their specific location.
AviaVox has developed technology to ensure that announcements are easier to understand -- and in multiple languages. The system has been installed in several European airports.
