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Air passengers can now take off online before boarding their flight thanks to a new high-tech virtual tour of Exeter Airport.
The airport has unveiled a fully interactive digital walkthrough that lets users explore everything from car parks and check-in desks to security, departure lounges and boarding gates.
Created by Sidmouth-based The Virtual Tour Experts, the year-long project was developed with input from the airport’s Passengers with Reduced Mobility Consultative Committee. It has been backed by Connected Places Catapult, the government’s innovation agency for transport and mobility.
The tool includes features designed to help travellers who may find flying daunting. British Sign Language is built into the tour, alongside sensory-aware elements such as ambient soundscapes to reduce anxiety. A day and night mode is also available for neurodiverse passengers who want to prepare for different travel conditions.
Stephen Witshire, managing director of Exeter Airport, said: “This project underlines our commitment to making Exeter one of the UK’s most accessible and welcoming regional airports, and is designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone.”
An “autopilot” function provides step-by-step guidance from the entrance to the departure gate, while the system also integrates links to book parking, browse duty-free and access executive lounges. The platform has been built with future-proof content management, ensuring it can be updated as the airport evolves.
Neil Henderson, managing director of The Virtual Tour Experts, said: “We chose Exeter Airport because it is a progressive regional hub that shares our values of inclusivity and innovation. This project shows how airports of all sizes can harness immersive technology to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create a more welcoming journey for every passenger.”
According to a survey of 450 users, 97 per cent said the tours were an easy way to navigate and 95 per cent felt it would boost their confidence when travelling.
The virtual tour is available at virtualtour.exeter-airport.co.uk. More media assets, including images and video, can be accessed via bit.ly/ExeterAirportMedia.
