AUSTRALIA. Sydney Airport has introduced mapping service app Baidu Maps at its T1 International terminal.
It has become the first organisation outside of greater China to introduce the platform, with the aim of improving the customer experience for Chinese passengers – the airport’s largest inbound market.
Baidu Maps offers real-time navigation for airport passengers and visitors. The app currently has more than 500 million users.
The indoor maps at Sydney Airport will feature gates and check-in counters, amenities and retail outlets across multiple levels to make it easier for passengers to navigate the terminal. Baidu’s new layout and functionality includes 3D views, zooming for granularity and search functionality. Users can also share feedback on retailers through the app.
“We’re delighted to offer Baidu Maps to our customers as we continue to deliver a targeted service offering for our important Chinese passenger base,” said Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather. “This is an exciting addition to our offering, just months after introducing Google Maps across our terminals.”
Other new and customised technology measures at Sydney Airport include upgraded free Wi-Fi, self-service check-in, automated bag drops, SmartGates, and multilingual wayfinding e-directories. The airport has also introduced a real-time queue measurement system to help passengers anticipate how long it will take them to pass through security and passport control.
