What is FIDS and How Does it Work? (Plus, Some Airports' Innovative Use of FIDS) Rahul Das Rahul Das

4 min read
04 December 2022

FIDS or Flight Information Display System is any screen within an airport premise that shows passengers information about their flights, such as live flight status, ETA, gate number, and more.

Since its inception, FIDS has undergone many transformations striving to provide an upgraded, aesthetically-rich experience to passengers. But beyond that, the changes have led to airports sharing accurate information at the fastest possible time with maximum automation.

Modern FID Systems use system integrations with digital signage solutions that make it super-convenient for the staff to manage the airport screens remotely and play other content simultaneously.

What information is conveyed through flight information display system?

We may have an impression that FIDS is used only in airports. However, several luxury hotels and convention centers use FIDS owing to substantial business flyer footfall.

Here are some of the different types of information that can be shown using a FIDS:

  1. Real-time flight updates like flight origin, arrival and departure time on screen, airline code, flight status as in landing, delayed or early, gate number, and things like that

  2. Non-airline related information like weather forecast, baggage drop information, security check guidelines, wayfinding map, etc.

  3. Interesting feeds and infotainment, including local newssports news, popular travel hacks, entertainment videos, and social media feeds.

How does FIDS work: data gathering, designing & distribution

A flight information display system essentially functions through digital signage software that puts together and delivers media information on dynamic LED screens at airports. The technology is not only used at airports alone; digital signage system finds its application in all types of transportation hubs like railways, bus terminus, and subways.

The flight information display system software gathers data from internal and external sources. The major ones are the Airport Operational Database (AODB), Resource Management System, Public Transportation Data Feeds, and Alert & Warning Systems. The software assimilates with these management systems via data integration & API to pull the required data.

Next, system operators custom design the FIDS screen layouts or use handy templates to arrange, design, and publish the data on the airport display monitors. The digital signage software vendor may also design custom applications with the airport’s branding and other unique necessities.

The FIDS software further allows automation and scheduling content on the airport announcement boards. The airport system operators can use the display software as a content management system to schedule different types of content on each screen.

Examples of airports using advanced FIDS architecture in exciting ways

Many airports have embraced digital flight information display systems in the last few years and used them in unique ways. We are here talking about three such airports that are quite the trendsetter.

Singapore’s Changi Airport

The management division of Singapore’s Changi Airport recruited an experienced team to bring a passenger-centric approach to its flight information displays. They wanted to set the bar higher by informing, engaging, and entertaining the passengers in the most innovative ways.

The Singapore airport placed large LED displays to offer detailed flight information along with digital signage kiosk booths where passengers can get only the information they are looking for.

These flight information kiosks allow passengers to scan their boarding passes and get flight information like which terminal to head to and how to reach there. It even shows an animated direction using a 3D wayfinding map.

Originally Published as What is FIDS and How Does it Work? (Plus, Some Airports' Innovative Use of FIDS) on Pickcel Digital Signage Blog

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