Amadeus invests in AI specialist CrowdVision

Travel technology firm Amadeus has invested in artificial intelligence and computer vision specialist CrowdVision to help airports manage growing passenger volumes. It is hoped the technology will help airports manage flows in real-time to minimise queues, improve check-in speed and … Continue reading →

Travel technology firm Amadeus has invested in artificial intelligence and computer vision specialist CrowdVision to help airports manage growing passenger volumes.

It is hoped the technology will help airports manage flows in real-time to minimise queues, improve check-in speed and manage resources more efficiently while complying with data privacy and security legislation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has predicted 7.2 billion passengers to travel in 2035— nearly double the 3.8 billion air travellers in 2016 and Amadeus says “passenger volumes show no sign of slowing down”

CrowdVision says by speeding up queues it creates more retail opportunity in airports with customers having more time to shop.

“Together with CrowdVision, we will be able to help airports to better anticipate and respond to traveller flows for better real-time, planning and investment decisions,” said Suzanna Chiu, head of ventures at Amadeus.

“We’re committed to helping airports improve their operations and performance, because when airports run smoothly, everyone benefits: airports can get more value out of their retail areas, more flights can take off on time, and travellers enjoy better journeys.”

Fiona Strens, CrowdVision’s chief executive added: “Working with Amadeus will give us access to a huge network of airports and travel partners around the world. We’re looking forward to helping more airports operate more efficiently so we can all get to where we’re going without the stress of crowds.”

Amadeus Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Amadeus which was launched in 2014, invests in start-ups sitting at the crossroads of travel and technology. The portfolio includes start-ups Situm, Avuxi, Betterez, Bluesmart, BookingPal, Flyr and Yapta.