MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL—Travelers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) now have a new and expanded interactive, touch-screen directory program to help them make the most of their time at the airport.
In 2010, MSP was one of the first U.S. airports to introduce interactive, touch screen directories. The program launched with two, four-sided directories in the airport mall and has now expanded to Concourse C, where four two-sided units can be found, one at each of the tram stops. The new user interface offers travelers a more intuitive design and exclusive deals and discounts at airport shops and restaurants, taking another significant step forward in merging the physical airport environment with real-time information needed by today’s always-on traveler.
Each new directory features a 55-inch surface with a sleek, simple interface that performs like an oversized mobile app. The directories provide at-a-glance location, time and weather updates as well as a rotating list of nearby shops and restaurants. Travelers looking for specific merchant, flight or airline information can find everything they need with a simple touch.
The new interface was built upon the Sapient EngagedTravelerSM platform, which is part of the company’s EngagedNowSM suite of offerings designed to improve engagement with today’s omni-channel consumers. The EngagedTraveler platform also powers MSP’s official mobile application, FlySmartTM, allowing the airport to provide consistent information across all digital channels.
“The mobile app and touch-screen directories together map the way to a first-rate airport experience,” said Patrick Hogan, director of public affairs and marketing for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. “The devices help travelers find their gate, choose restaurants and shops that fit their taste and budget, and identify locations of the specific merchandise and services “Through our partnership with SapientNitro, we’re making MSP the airport where all the information travelers need is at their fingertips.”
Travelers using the FlySmartTM app at MSP can use it to read QR codes at the directories to get special deals and discounts redeemable at MSP restaurants and shops.
Both FlySmartTM and the new directories provide:
- Information about airport shops, restaurants, services and other amenities
- Current flight information
- Ground transportation options
- Menus for Terminal 1-Lindbergh’s full-service restaurants
- Airport maps and walk times
- Search and filtering features to help travelers find exactly what they’re looking for
“For the past two years, MSP has partnered with SapientNitro for our ability to blend creativity and technology in delivering immersive customer engagement platforms that help brands deepen their connection with today’s always-on consumers,” said Ryan Scott, vice president, SapientNitro. “The new interface showcases the ongoing commitment from MSP airport to revolutionize their digital presence and we look forward to continuing our efforts in elevating the traveling experience.”
FlySmartTM offers information on dozens of other airports around the world as well as MSP. Using this one app, travelers can plan their travels from their originating airport, through their connecting airport, and on to their destination. Through the device, you can get travel alerts regarding changes in your flight or gate as well as regarding circumstances at the airport that could impact your trip. Unlike other travel apps, FlySmartTM’s data about Minneapolis-St. Paul International – including real-time parking information -- is provided and managed directly by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, helping ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
MSP’s FlySmart app is available for free download onto iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices.
About The Metropolitan Airports Commission:
The Metropolitan Airports Commission, a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
About SapientNitro
SapientNitroSM, part of Sapient® (NASDAQ: SAPE), is a new breed of agency redefining storytelling for an always-on world. We’re changing the way our clients engage today’s connected consumers by uniquely creating never-ending stories across brand communications, digital engagement, and omni-channel commerce. We call it Storyscaping, where art and imagination meet the power and scale of systems thinking.
SapientNitro’s Idea Engineers represent a connected powerhouse of creative, brand and technology expertise - one global team collaborating across disciplines, perspectives and continents to create game-changing success for our Global 1000 clients. We partner with industry-leading clients such as Chrysler, Citi, The Coca-Cola Company, Lufthansa, Target, and Vodafone, in more than 30 cities across The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.sapientnitro.com or follow us on Twitter @sapientnitro.
