The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched
the Global Airport and Passenger Symposium (GAPS) Startup
Innovation Awards - a competition to recognize pioneering ideas in
the area of passenger experience from startup companies.
The awards will be presented at the first GAPS taking place in
Athens this October.
The competition seeks submissions in various passenger
categories including personalization, wayfinding and baggage. The
objective is to encourage ideas that leverage emerging technologies
such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and
blockchain.
"With the number of passengers set to double over the next two
decades, everyone needs to think outside the box. The GAPS Startup
Innovation Awards aim to foster the next big idea in passenger
experience," says Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President of
Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security.
Three award finalists will have the opportunity to present their
submission at GAPS 2018. This is a unique platform to profile
winning ideas, solutions, products or services while developing
relationships with key industry stakeholders. The winner will be
awarded a one-year membership to IATA's Strategic Partnership
program.
A panel of industry experts will choose the winning submission
based on its transformative potential for the passenger
journey.