Virgin Atlantic to Trial Apple iBeacon Technology at London Heathrow

By Paul Riegler on 5 May 2014
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Virgin's Clubhouse lounge at LHR

Virgin’s Clubhouse lounge at LHR

Virgin Atlantic Airways announced it is piloting a test of Apple’s iBeacon technology at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3.

The technology uses a beacon, developed by start-up Estimote, to send messages to users of iOS devices via Bluetooth when they are within range.  One example cited by the airline is a passenger who would receive an offer for a 0% conversion fee as he passes by a currency exchange booth.  Another could be a discounted offer on a product as the passenger passes by one of the terminal’s many shops.

Apple’s iBeacon technology uses beacons with Bluetooth low energy radios, sometimes called Bluetooth Smart, and geofencing to provide the service.

Virgin also says that the system could remind a passenger with Apple Passbook installed to alert them that they are approaching a security checkpoint and need to have their boarding passes ready.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)

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