Airport Innovation Earns ‘Consumer Experience’ Award
(photo courtesy Indianapolis International Airport)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn innovation has brought another award to the Indianapolis International Airport. The Airports Council International-North America has named the airport’s human-powered charging stations as one of the Best Innovative Consumer Experiences or Practices among airports.
The ACI says the charging stations demonstrate an approach "that provides an exceptional and memorable customer experience that engages the senses, mind and the emotions." Each of the four charging stations at the airport includes four stationary bikes connected to a generator that travelers can ride to charge their mobile devices.
"We’ve had airport guests tell us ‘it’s like fitting in a SoulCycle class while scrolling through Instagram’," Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez said in a news release. "Travelers are finding the stations a productive and healthy form of customer service, allowing them to recharge and reenergize while also powering their phones, laptops and tablets in an environmentally sustainable way. That’s a win-win."
The airport says the charging rate on the stations is equal to charging through a wall plug. The stations are branded by local nonprofit Nine13sports, which focuses on youth fitness through biking. Chief Executive Officer Tom Hanley says the nonprofit receives constant communication from travelers who inquire about the organization after seeing or using the charging stations.