Mannerisms

On Thursday, EADS is demo-ing a number of new products for airlines and airport operators.

One uses RFID to track passengers so the airline knows where they are. It is said to improve the handling of passengers and baggage and provide them with information, guidance and support.

Then there's a 'slim-line' system to improve the wellbeing of airline passengers by enabling them to do light physical exercise over a short period of time. A stepper, gym-bars, a massage pad and fresh-air nozzles allow passengers to relax and enhance blood circulation.

Also there's a boarding card reader incorporating an "artificial nose": a Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometer (LIMS). This security technology is capable of detecting minute quantities a large variety of hazardous materials, such as explosives, chemicals or drugs.

Who knows, we may even return to those heady days when we used to look forward to air travel.

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