Page 18 - World Airnews Magazine December 2020

AIRPORTS

WELLNESS APP MAKES

DEBUT AT ALBANY

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

lbany International Airport in the

AUnited States has become the fi rst
to start using a new blockchain-powered
smartphone application that uses QR codes

to show passengers real-time tracking of
cleaning of touchpoints and surfaces through-
out terminals, restaurants and other areas.
Wellness Trace is GE's new application that

the company envisions establishing a com-
munity among airline travellers similar to
Waze where they can check the app to get a
sense of the cleanest areas of the airport.
In the coming weeks, the airport and
GE are expected to unveil other advanced

artificial intelligence, machine learning and

other digital technologies being deployed
as part of this burgeoning Digital Incubator.
Albany started using the app after a

three-month trial and has now put into
operation with more than 45 QR barcodes

located throughout the airport.
“We believe the digital vision Albany
International Airport is advancing is exactly

the kind of template airports and airlines
will need to ensure safe, healthy travel
through the COVID-19 pandemic and
beyond,” said Andrew Coleman, general

manager of GE Aviation’s Digital Group

Coleman said that Albany's close proxim- "The use of GE’s cutting-edge Wellness a rest stop on their way to the airport, they

ity to their digital research lab located in Trace App is a major first step in our joint can check Wellness Trace to find a clean

efforts to integrate new digital solutions
Niskayuna, New York made it the perfect to create safer travel in a post-pandemic one. If travellers need to grab a bite to eat
near the airport, they can check Wellness
location to launch Wellness Trace and world,” Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany Trace for the cleanest restaurants nearby.

evaluate its ability to reinforce passenger County Airport Authority said.
confidence in the cleanliness of the airport. While in the airport, travellers can walk

with confidence knowing the environment

Passengers will be able to simply scan the Passengers traveling to Albany will also around them is now transparent and they

QR barcode stickers with their mobile device be able to use the app to check the cleanli- can access cleaning information with just a

ness of restaurants near the airport as well.
and receive an instant status update for when quick scan from their mobile phone camera.

a given object or area was last cleaned. “It’s exciting that Albany International The most exciting part is that travellers get a

GE developed Wellness Trace using Airport is partnering with GE on cutting voice and can become part of a community
Microsoft Azure's blockchain service and edge technology that may help travellers where their voice will be heard, and the

feel safer since COVID-19 has changed
is bringing it to Albany after first launching experience is free for the public.

the technology in partnership with farm- our world,” said Albany County Executive Passengers will be able to simply scan the
Daniel P. McCoy.
to-table food traceability solution provider QR barcode stickers with their mobile device

TE Food and Luxembourg-based lab testing “Being able to scan a QR code and know and receive an instant status update for when

service supplier Eurofins. the last time that surface at the airport was a given object or area was last cleaned.

Coleman believes the application could cleaned may alleviate some of the stress After a three-month trial, GE Aviation

also be used by airlines in a similar way to and uncertainty people are feeling as they and Albany Airport officials will review the

venture out and bring back a sense of confi-
demonstrate cleanliness in the cabin. dence. Any reassurance we can give people experience to discuss any updates or im-
"It could be integrated into every as they travel that they are doing so safely provements that could be made to App.
seatback screen, the QR codes could also is important.” Wellness Trace is part of GE’s blockchain
be scanned as passengers are boarding. solutions portfolio that is expanding its

Lavatories and other high-traffic areas in WHAT DOES THE APP DO? definition of safety in the future by offering

the cabin, are other options to consider as The app will offer the unique ability for the food traceability solutions, fuel assurance

well," Coleman said. public to provide real time feedback into solutions and maintenance solutions. For

Airport officials are also considering ex- the cleanliness of their travel experience. more information check out

panding its use for health screenings. For example, if a traveller needs to stop at www.geaviation.com/wellnesstrace Q

World Airnews | December 2020
— 16 —