JFKIAT Unveils Advanced Mobility Cart Tracking System at Terminal 4 to Provide Passengers with Real-Time Cart Locations and Reduced Wait Times for a Smoother Journey

JFKIAT, the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, is revolutionizing passenger accessibility with the introduction of the world’s first mobility cart tracking solution. This innovative system, developed in partnership with Volan Technology and Beonic, provides real-time tracking of mobility carts, allowing passengers to view their exact locations and estimated wait times. The service aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers needing assistance, ensuring smoother and more efficient navigation through the terminal.

The pilot program, currently available at designated pick-up locations throughout Terminal 4, marks a significant improvement in how passengers with mobility challenges receive support. By offering real-time updates on cart availability, passengers can now plan their journey more effectively, reducing the uncertainty often associated with seeking assistance at busy airports. This transparent and user-friendly system not only benefits passengers but also optimizes airport operations.

Given the success of the pilot program, JFKIAT is considering expanding the mobility cart service across the entire terminal. This forward-thinking solution highlights JFKIAT’s commitment to fostering a passenger-focused environment and leveraging technology to create more efficient, accessible experiences. With this advancement, JFKIAT sets a new standard for accessibility and customer service at one of the world’s busiest airports.

“Giving passengers real-time information helps to support a smoother airport experience,” said Roel Huinink, Chief Executive Officer of JFKIAT. “By enabling live tracking of our cart service at Terminal 4, we’re helping our travelers who prefer or need assistance over longer distances make more informed choices. As the transformation of T4 continues, we are pleased to work with our partners to introduce this innovative technology to advance passenger accessibility and operational efficiency.”

“As we continue to modernize and reimagine JFK into a world-class global gateway, passenger-focused innovations like this mobility cart tracking system are key to enhancing accessibility and improving the travel experience for all,” said Teresa Rizzuto, General Manager of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “JFKIAT has demonstrated strong leadership in enhancing the passenger experience—from increasing the visibility and availability of the mobility cart service, and piloting real-time tracking technology that allows travelers to make more informed decisions with greater ease. We’re proud to support JFKIAT and its partners in delivering smart, forward-thinking solutions that raise the standard for airport service and innovation.”

Why It Matters

“With real time data, we can now see exactly when and where carts are needed most,” said Steve Tukavkin, Vice President of IT & Digital at JFKIAT. “Our adoption of this technology reflects our innovative culture to bring new offerings to our passengers and collaborate with our technology partners to find new solutions that improve our passengers’ journeys.”

Passengers at Terminal 4 can now track mobility carts in real-time, offering precise wait times and exact locations for the next available cart. These live updates are conveniently displayed on digital screens at each designated pick-up point throughout the terminal, providing travelers with the information they need to navigate the airport confidently and efficiently. According to initial survey results from JFKIAT, passengers have expressed high satisfaction with the enhanced cart service, with many noting that the digital displays helped improve their awareness and allowed them to make more informed decisions on when and where to wait for a cart.

Building on the success of this pilot initiative, JFKIAT plans to integrate this tracking solution into broader “information zones” throughout Terminal 4. These zones will serve as one-stop locations for passengers to access a variety of services, from real-time flight updates through FIDS (Flight Information Display System) to interactive experience kiosks and multilingual virtual customer service agents providing assistance.

This mobility cart tracking solution and the upcoming information zones are part of JFKIAT’s ongoing technological advancements as Terminal 4 undergoes a significant $1.5 billion renovation. This transformation is part of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s larger vision to turn JFK into a world-class airport. As part of this vision, JFKIAT is expanding the terminal’s capacity, implementing sustainability measures, and embracing cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the company is working with business partners on the North Star initiative, which aims to further enhance the passenger experience at Terminal 4 by refining commercial offerings, aligning hospitality services, and more.

Industry Perspective

“Traditional location technologies like Global Positioning System (GPS) don’t work well indoors, and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) systems require expensive infrastructure that can’t adapt to unpredictable movement patterns,” said Michael Bettua, CEO of Volan. “Airports need a solution that works throughout massive terminals, including underground areas, while providing the location precision passengers expect for real-time information, and this solution gives it to them.”

“This solution goes beyond analyzing passenger movement data – it’s about transforming operational intelligence into a better passenger experience,” said Billy Tucker, CEO, Beonic. “When people can visualize exactly where services are and make informed decisions about their journey, it eliminates the anxiety that comes from uncertainty in high-stress travel environments.”

How It Works

Real-Time Tracking: Volan’s wireless beacon network ensures precise cart positioning throughout the concourses and central Retail Hall, with accuracy within meters.

Intelligent Displays: Beonic’s system monitors wait times, displaying real-time updates on large digital screens at all designated pick-up locations, along with a live visualization of each cart’s current location.

Rapid Deployment: The wireless beacon network was swiftly installed in a single overnight session, with no disruptions to construction or ongoing operations.

Operational Intelligence: The system’s analytics enable operators to make data-driven decisions regarding cart availability and driver staffing, optimizing service during peak demand periods to enhance the passenger experience.

Future Integration Potential: The system offers flexibility for future expansion, allowing JFKIAT to track a wide range of equipment by adding small credit card-sized locators to each asset, all monitored in real-time.

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