Near Field Communication technology is making progress with a world airport first claimed by Toulouse-Blagnac Airport today.
This summer the airport will enable 50 passengers to pass seamlessly through the airport using Blackberry smartphones equipped with SIM-based NFC.
The project, an initiative involving SITA, Orange, Blackberry and the airport unveiled earlier this year, will enable passsengers to pass through controls and gates such as airport parking, the boarding area and passenger lounge, by tapping the phone or being within a certain range.
The technology will also provide users with flight departure and gate updates.
Coincidentally, eDigital Research has published research involving 2,000 consumers showing low level of awareness of the technology in terms of contactless payments.
The Mobile Payment Index reveals:
- 33% have not heard of the NFC technology
- 35% would not use it because of security concerns
- of those who have used it, 89% would do so again for payment in the future
A smaller sample of business travel experts interviewed for research conducted by AirPlus International and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives, reveals 53% rate their knowledge of mobile payments at beginner level although the mobile NFC-enabled payment market is expected to hit $50 billion by 2014.
SITA Lab’s Kevin O’Sullivan gives good insight into the challenges NFC faces if it’s to become more widespread.
NB: Traffic lights image via Shutterstock
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