Gatwick and easyJet create app to personalise airport experience

A new joint initiative app between easyJet and Gatwick aims to provide personalised instructions and updates for passengers during their journey.

A new joint initiative app between easyJet and Gatwick aims to provide personalised instructions and updates for passengers during their journey.

The Mobile Host combines live data from the airport’s information systems, using Google indoor maps, together with a passenger’s booking details, location and flight time.

The result includes:

• Check-in reminders and confirmation of booked baggage allowances.
• Directions to bag drop, departures and gate locations.
• Real time gate and baggage belt push notifications delivered direct to the phone.

Initially the service will launch on iPhones for passengers travelling to and from Gatwick, easyJet’s biggest base. The feature is available in seven languages.

James Millett, the airline’s head of digital, said: “Our goal is to provide industry-leading customer experiences while flying with easyJet and our new Mobile Host service is yet another example of how we use innovative, mobile technology to make travel easier for our passengers.

“Passengers can now relax in the airport without the need to keep checking screens waiting for flight and gate information to appear. As soon as the gate opens, the mobile host within our app will notify them and explain where the gate is.

“This latest innovation is the result of true collaboration and integrates live data from Gatwick data services with passenger booking information and indoor mapping, giving real benefit.”

Gatwick’s chief information officer, Michael Ibbitson, added: “For the last couple of years Gatwick has been investing heavily in its integration and data platforms to be able to provide key passenger information in real time to our airlines.

“The time and effort put into mapping the whole airport with indoor maps and Street View is really starting to pay off.

“EasyJet is our biggest airline and it is great to come to market with such innovative solutions for our passengers with them.”