Tensator to unveil new Virtual Assistant Ultra at Airport Show

Press Release

MILTON KEYNES, UK, 2 MAY 2013 – Tensator, the world leader in the management of the passenger journey, has announced plans to unveil the industry’s smallest footprint, most flexible and cost effective Virtual Assistant at this year’s Airport Show in Dubai.

The company will use the annual show, taking place 6-8 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, to showcase the new Tensator Virtual Assistant Ultra on stand PE7, within the Airport Passenger Experience Area.

With a footprint of just 50cm x 50cm, the Virtual Assistant Ultra can fit almost anywhere within an airport terminal, including check-in desks, security areas and within an aisle or as part of the aisle end caps in retail units. This creates a flexible point of difference for conveying important security messages, dealing with frequently asked questions from passengers and helping airport retailers to promote special offers and product information in an innovative way to ultimately increase revenues.

The Ultra edition is part of the Tensator Virtual Assistant range, a next generation digital signage product line that uses cutting-edge technology to project an image and create the illusion of a real person.

As Abdel Aziz Rahal, general manager of Tensator FZE, explains, this new product was developed to meet the specific needs of the sector:

“As a company, we take the role of solution provider very seriously. An essential factor of this is listening to the requirements of our customers.

“It’s about having an open dialogue, listening to the needs of the market and being in a position to act accordingly. This is exactly what our product development team has been able to do with the Virtual Assistant Ultra. By embracing technology, we’ve maintained our market-leading position, and reputation as innovators, by creating a product with the smallest footprint available.”

Solutions within the Virtual Assistant range are already popular at some of the world’s busiest airports, including Dubai International.

The airport, which sees over 57 million passengers passing through its three terminals each year, was the first airport in the Middle East to take delivery of the original Tensator Virtual Assistant back in 2011. In 2012, it also became the first venue in the world to house an interactive version of the Virtual Assistant. By incorporating touchscreen technology, the product acts as an innovative way-finding tool, helping passengers move quickly through the terminal and ultimately spending longer in Duty Free, helping to increase retail profits.

Not only has the use of Tensator’s Virtual Assistant technology contributed to Dubai International’s reputation as an airport of the future, it has also helped the airport’s initiative to smoothen passenger flow by delivering important information.

In addition to the Virtual Assistant Ultra, visitors to Tensator’s stand (PE7) at the 13th annual Airport Show will also be able to experience the eQ™ SLQ3000, which is a next generation call forward system, capable of incorporating digital media. Users are also able to manage a database of reporting information, as well as controlling advertising messages and promotions. Calling passengers forward to the next available check-in desk or service position, the solution keeps people entertained whilst helping speed up passenger flow by up to 25 per cent.

As Abdel Aziz Rahal comments, it is about working with airport operators to ensure that the passenger journey is the best it can be from the moment the individual enters the airport terminal, until their flight takes off:

“The new Airport Passenger Experience Area is exactly what Tensator is about, summed up perfectly by the area’s slogan of experience from ‘kerbside to airside’. We’re proud to be involved in helping to create the airport of the future within the show, and showing operators the options available to them.

“Even within our own stand, we’re aiming to show how the passenger journey can be both innovative and efficient with the use of the new Virtual Assistant Ultra and SLQ3000, as well as some of our core products such as our Tensabarrier® range and signage options.

“Rather than seeing an airport as separate areas, such as check-in, security and departures, it is about seeing it as a whole and the benefits that can bring to both passengers and operators.”

About Tensator

Tensator is a recognised leader in the management of the customer journey. The company offers a large range ofdigital media platforms, electronic and virtual queue management, display and signage products, crowd and access control solutions, in-queue merchandising, self-service systems, and the Tensabarrier, one of the most respected barriers in the world.

Tensator empowers blue chip retailers, international airport terminals, transport providers, financial institutions, major exhibition, leisure and entertainment venues, construction sites, restaurants and hotels to speed customer flow through the queue, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Tensator helps eliminate lost revenues through walk-aways and drives high value impulse sales with its range of queue management solutions.