Orlando international airport is expected to serve more passengers than it is currently serving. This means that they need to maintain a constant update in technology advancements in order to improve human congestion within airport and air traffic control capabilities to decrease possible aircraft tragedy. Introducing new technology that is up-to-date and sufficient can relieve many human errors. This will also help in improving communications system, which is the largest part and keeps an airport running smoothly and efficiently.
The new technology will lead to improvement of ticketing, whereby passengers can book for their tickets from their homes, offices and any other place connected with the internet. This means that passengers can download them using Smartphone while others can buy at kiosks which may be located centrally for all airlines of Orlando international airport. This will reduce the currently experienced queuing system to the ticket counters.
This new technology will improves terminals, which will help in controlling and coordinating ticketing and baggage checking. This new computer system will also improve communication within the airport plus the security among the airlines. The new system would help redefine airport navigation through automated and route air traffic control. Messages would be delivered via computer technology to the pilot of an aircraft that would give him a more direct route to his location and would thus decrease the risk of running low on fuel during a flight. The presence of human control would still be needed in order to handle incoming transmissions pertaining to route changes, exceptions and emergencies. Overall, the new system would be able to map out the navigational route of aircrafts in order to maintain steady air traffic control and shorter destination routes with less air traffic congestion.
It is not necessary for a pilot to use two-way radio communication since a ground control base does not monitor air traffic. This means that it is possible that some pilots will fail to communicate this important information. It should be of a top priority for Orlando international airport to make it a requirement that any aircraft should transmit their flight schedule and route on the suggested broadcast frequency in order to decrease the chances of any in air collisions. This would also make it possible to know a pilot’s coordinates in the event of an emergency.
A digital data link would allow Orlando international airport to keep a direct line open to all aircraft pilots in order to give them general information such as weather conditions, air traffic status, and any other general information of interest. However, a private line would be available for Orlando international airport to contact a particular aircraft with a message that is meant for that aircraft and no other regarding any error messages or circumstances that aircraft might be experiencing. This technological advancement will be just as important as the presence of human command.
Another reason that makes the digital communication to be beneficial is that it increases the speed and volume at which data can be sent and received. If air traffic continues to increase over time, this increased speed and volume will decrease the possibility of air traffic collision. However, if an increase in digital data leads to an increase in air traffic, this may also mean that navigation and landing technology would have to be increased in order to accommodate the increased number of airport landings and takeoffs.
Reference
Powers, S., (2011). Changes on the way for OIA? ‘Airport of the future’ hits snag. Orlando Sentinel. Web.