Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
USA. Today’s images, shared by LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), capture the launch of a pioneering interactive Guest Experience Ambassador hologram at New York LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B.
The initiative underscores the airport company’s ambition to position Terminal B as a global leader in aviation innovation, combining hospitality with advanced AI to shape the next generation of travel in New York City.
Terminal B is the first airport to deploy a fully interactive AI hologram focused on guest service and wayfinding, rather than the entertainment and welcome messaging seen in other airports.
The experience is led by Bridget, a life-size, hyper-realistic ambassador designed to engage travellers in natural, intuitive conversations and guide them smoothly through the terminal.
Bridget is powered by Proto, the original hologram hardware platform, and Holomedia’s AI Concierge Wayfinder application, delivering a human-centred approach to digital assistance. The AI ambassador helps passengers navigate the airport in real time, providing directions to gates, retail outlets and other facilities.
The first hologram is currently live near the Terminal B Food Hall, with plans to roll out additional units in each of the terminal’s two concourses in the near future.
LaGuardia Gateway Partners CEO Suzette Noble said, “At Terminal B, our North Star has always been to provide an exceptional guest experience through a unique blend of innovation and world-class hospitality.
“The introduction of the interactive AI hologram aligns perfectly with this vision, allowing us to leverage next-generation technology to meet the evolving needs of our travellers.
“By providing an additional layer of intelligent, multilingual support, we are ensuring that every guest who passes through our terminal enjoys a seamless and stress-free journey.”
The latest innovation has been introduced to complement Terminal B’s existing team of Guest Experience Ambassadors. Key features of the new technology include:
- Multilingual support: The hologram communicates fluently in both English and Spanish with more languages to come.
- Effortless navigation: Provides live mapping and step-by-step directions to enhance guest flow.
- Accessibility-first design: Features high-contrast displays, closed captioning and a physical interface positioned for wheelchair accessibility.
- Operational support: Acts as a reliable resource during peak travel periods, ensuring consistent communication even when terminal staff are assisting other guests.
Proto Hologram Founder David Nussbaum said, “Most people think of airports as stressful and confusing environments but LaGuardia’s Terminal B leads the world in changing all that.
“Communication with humans will always be the best way to help travellers find their way, and for the first time in any airport, AI-powered interactive hologram avatars extend the reach of the human guest experience ambassadors.
“Proto Hologram and Holomedia’s digital helpers can guide and advise travellers in ways that feel natural and intuitive – and can give so much more personalised information than static signage and passive video screens. The future of travel has begun at LaGuardia.”
Spatial Computing XP Architect Glenn E. Smith added, “As passenger expectations evolve, airports are increasingly seeking technologies that not only improve operational efficiency, but also create memorable, frictionless and personalised journeys.
“Holomedia AI bridges this gap through life-size holographic avatars powered by real-time wayfinding, multilingual support and integrated passenger engagement tools.” ✈
