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# Airport Navigation Beacons
The FlyBeacon App Helps Emirates Customers Find Their Gate

By Rebecca Byers | Published 2015-04-30 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flybeacon
References: [beekn.net](http://beekn.net/2014/03/flybeacon-travel-smart-ibeacon/) & [mashhacks-travel.challengepost](http://mashhacks-travel.challengepost.com/submissions/21910-flybeacon)

FlyBeacon is a smartphone app launched in 2014 by [Emirates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-vr-experience) that uses beacon technology in an innovative way.

The FlyBeacon app makes great use of beacon technology installed in airports to provide [directions to gates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system) and as a means to communicating flight delays or check-in wait times. FlyBeacon also uses beacon technology to target in-airport promotions to customers. A helpful and concise way to think about beacon technology is as "indoor Wifi."

By streamlining customer experience through security and check-in, Emirates is likely freeing up time that could then be spent exploring [beacon-targeted promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geofencing-feature) within the airport. By providing useful, real-time information to passengers, the FlyBeacon app reinvents the airport portion of the travel journey into an exciting and less stressful experience.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.8/10
- Popularity: 61% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Beacon Technology:** Emirates' FlyBeacon app is an example of the innovative use of beacon technology in airports, providing directions, real-time information, and targeted promotions.
- **Streamlining Customer Experience:** Emirates' use of FlyBeacon app streamlines the airport portion of the travel journey, making it less stressful and more exciting for passengers.
- **Indoor Wifi:** Beacon technology, such as that used by FlyBeacon, can be thought of as an indoor wifi, providing connectivity and useful information in airports.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Airports:** Airports can explore the use of beacon technology, like FlyBeacon, to enhance the customer experience, provide targeted promotions, and improve efficiency.
- **Travel and Tourism:** The travel and tourism industry can leverage beacon technology, as showcased by Emirates, to revolutionize the airport experience and create new opportunities for personalized marketing.
- **Mobile App Development:** The development of smartphone apps, like FlyBeacon, that utilize beacon technology presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the mobile app industry.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Transportation Network Wayfinding Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bee-network.md)
- [Inclusive Airport Navigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airport-navigations.md)
- [Airport-Focused Digital Navigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-navigation-system.md)
- [In-Flight Explorer Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flight-compass.md)
- [IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traffic-beacon-concept.md)
- [Inclusive Airport Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-my-eyes2.md)
- [AI Airport Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-aberdeen.md)
- [Upgraded Airlines Mobile Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airlines-mobile-app.md)
- [In-App Baggage-Tracking Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-canada-mobile-app.md)