7th April 2023 – (Zurich) SWISS International Air Lines (SWISS) is set to embark on a three-month trial using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct passenger counting during the flight boarding process, with the aim of enhancing security and reducing cabin crew workload. The trial, in partnership with an external technology partner, will take place on selected flights from Zurich between April and June, and will involve the temporary installation of cameras in the aircraft cabin for the boarding process.
Introducing AI for passenger counting involves using cameras to record passengers as they embark, determining their total numbers, and training the AI application in the boarding process. Factors such as identifying passengers carrying infants and functioning accurately in challenging lighting conditions will be considered. The results will be analysed throughout the trial to assess accuracy and improve the AI’s reliability. However, cabin crews will still conduct parallel passenger counts using the usual manual procedure, as the AI system is in the trial stage.
Data security and protection are of paramount importance during the trial, and all recordings made will be processed in full compliance with European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) provisions. The recorded data will be used solely for passenger count purposes, and no individuals will be identified from the recordings. Only visual images in the aircraft door area will be recorded, and no further recordings, such as audio, will be taken. Passengers on flights with the AI cameras will be informed of the trial before boarding.
The use of AI for passenger counting during the boarding process has the potential to enhance security measures and reduce the workload of cabin crews. By automating the passenger count procedure, SWISS aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the boarding process, ultimately enhancing security measures by ensuring that the correct number of passengers are on board.
The AI system is designed to accurately detect and count passengers, even in challenging lighting conditions, and has the ability to distinguish passengers carrying infants. This ensures that the passenger count is reliable, reducing the chances of errors or discrepancies. Cabin crews can then focus on other important tasks during the boarding process, such as ensuring passenger safety and providing excellent customer service.
Data security and protection are critical considerations in the implementation of AI for passenger counting. SWISS is committed to complying with GDPR and FADP provisions to ensure that passenger data is handled securely and responsibly.
All recordings made during the trial will be processed in compliance with GDPR and FADP regulations, and will be used solely for passenger count purposes. No individuals will be identified from the recordings, as only visual images in the aircraft door area will be recorded, and no further recordings, such as audio, will be taken. After the trial is concluded in June, all recorded data will be deleted, ensuring that passenger privacy is maintained.
Upon the conclusion of the trial in June, SWISS will analyze the results to determine the effectiveness and reliability of the AI system for passenger counting. Based on the analysis, the airline will decide whether to undertake further research and potentially introduce the technology across its network.
If successful, the implementation of AI for passenger counting could have significant implications for the aviation industry. It has the potential to enhance security measures, reduce the workload of cabin crews, and improve the overall efficiency of the boarding process. However, careful consideration of data security and protection will be crucial to ensure that passenger privacy is maintained and that regulations are complied with.
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