A state-of-the-art scan to offer those visiting Teesside Airport a real feel of the terminal has been completed as work gears up for the upcoming summer season.
The immersive virtual tour – available here – is all part of the push to make Teesside the most accessible airport in the UK.
Stockton-based firm Tricore Technical Services uses LiDAR, AI and advanced modelling techniques to create tours, cutting-edge models and Virtual Reality for everything from training in wind turbines to asset management in railway stations.
This new terminal guide function is great especially for those with hidden disabilities who may struggle in an airport environment or have never been through an airport before.
This 3D tour allows passengers to view the journey before they arrive at the airport to create a more calming airport experience.
Emma Bass, Operations Manager at Tricore, recorded the ins-and-outs of Teesside Airport during the winter to offer a 360-degree look around the terminal.
The work comes as Teesside gears up for a bumper summer season of flights.
Holidaymakers will be able to bag a great trip to Alicante, Bulgaria, Corfu, Faro, Majorca as well as – new for this year – the popular destination of Dalaman, Turkey.
KLM is also retaining its three-times daily service to Amsterdam and Teesside.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This summer promises to be another cracker for Teesside Airport after we smashed the 200,000-passenger mark in 2023.
“We’ve been busy during the winter months making the terminal as efficient as it possibly can be – and Tricore’s stunning scan is yet another example of the airport team making travel through our terminal as efficient as possible.
“Visiting an airport for the first time when the layout is a mystery can be disorientating – but this scan means visitors can check out their surroundings before venturing in.
“It’s also wonderful to see a local company in Tricore being signed up for this work as they continue to make a big splash on the global stage.”
Tricore, who are heavily involved in the Offshore Industry, offer a blend of digital solutions and installation and maintenance expertise and work around the globe on engineering projects.
Emma, an ex-Primary School teacher, has chalked up qualifications including 28 days of GWO training covering working at height, sea survival and advanced first aid.
The company is now taking on a VR model of the overhauled Darlington Station to offer a glimpse to passengers of how the new £150million makeover will change Bank Top forever.
Emma said: “It’s great to be involved with local projects. I have done a fair bit of traveling over the past year with work including trips to the US, Denmark, France and recently Taiwan where we delivered our Asset Management solution.
“The Airport is on our doorstep and it is a great asset for the area. We are planning to fly from Teesside to Spain in the summer – it’s quick and easy – and a nice environment to start your holiday.”
Teesside was named UK and Irish Airport of the Year at the TTG Travel Industry Awards last year after winning recognition for its growth in flights and delivering a great passenger experience.
Last year also saw Teesside become the first airport in the UK to scrap the 100ml liquid restrictions at security thanks to scanner upgrades – making it even more efficient to catch a flight.
Palma Airport, in Majorca, will see scanners installed this year which will also remove the need for liquids and electronic devices to be removed from bags on their return journeys to Teesside.