Environmental graphic design may not be the first thought when an airport is looking to boost its revenue. But it has a tremendous potential to influence a traveler’s experience— and their spending. According to a recent study, happy passengers spend an average of 45 percent more than grumpy ones—$20.55 versus $14.12—on airport retail purchases in shops and eateries.
“More and more airports understand that large-format LED-based visualization solutions are the best way to cut through the clutter and engage hurried travelers with critically important messages, information, and, in many cases, sponsored advertising content,” says Eric Seigler, Regional Sales Manager for NanoLumens, which, in partner- ship with systems integrator Ford Audio-Video, recently worked on a new project at the Honolulu International Airport. They installed two 44.65in. x 7.28in. NanoLumens NanoSlim LED display solutions that now serve as the central traveler communications platform, helping the airport operators more efficiently and compellingly communicate flight information, providing an improved experience for weary travelers.
As the airport’s long-term provider of public address, flight information display and gate management system maintenance, and AV integration, Ford Audio-Video was a natural partner to create an innovative solution for displaying flight information and more.
“The goal of the project was to provide departure flight information that could be visible throughout each of the two lobbies that are approximately 120 feet in depth,” says Ford Audio-Video Project Engineer Tra- vis Ellis. “Additionally, the airport required that there be additional LED real estate space to show additional content of passenger interest, such as a destination city’s weather and a Hawaii tourism video slideshow.”
To operate the NanoLumens 6mm, 2,000 NIT visualization solutions, Ford Audio-Video installed SITA-manufactured software running on Dell Optiplex XE2 computers to generate the flight information, in addition to a BrightSign 4K242 solid state media player to output the destination city weather and a Hawaii Tourism video slideshow.
The adaptability of NanoLumens solutions—which are available in any size, shape, or curvature—fit seamlessly into the architectural space without being obtrusive, adding a “wow factor” to the airport without taking up precious space. And because each display is slim, ultra-light- weight, and energy efficient, with a bright, seamless, high-resolution picture quality that can be viewed from any angle throughout the display horizon without color shift or image distortion, this initial installation has helped prove the potential need for even more.
“This is the first large-format LED display installation at the Honolulu International Airport,” Ellis says. “The success of this project should help us to bring future large format LED displays to lobbies four through eight of the airport’s overseas terminal.”
