Project Background

As a major international aviation hub, Iceland Airport serves travelers from all over the world every day. With frequent flights and short connection times, speed and convenience are critical factors in airport retail.

For many travelers, the ability to quickly purchase essential items is more important than price or brand selection. The airport operator therefore looked for a retail solution that could supplement existing stores without increasing labor costs, while improving service efficiency for passengers.

Key Challenges in Airport Retail

During the early planning stage, several long-standing challenges were identified:

• Retail stores become overcrowded during peak hours, leading to long queues
• Traditional vending machines offer limited product visibility and poor engagement
• International travelers require intuitive, language-independent operation
• Certain product categories require compliant age verification

These factors collectively limited retail efficiency and reduced purchase completion rates.

The Solution: WEIMI 55-Inch Touchscreen Vending Machine

To address these challenges, a WEIMI 55-inch touchscreen vending machine was deployed as a complementary retail channel rather than a replacement for existing shops.

The goal of the machine was clear:
Enable travelers to complete a high-quality purchase even when they have very limited time.

Large Touchscreen for Faster Decision-Making

The 55-inch high-definition touchscreen is the core of the system.
Compared with traditional button-operated machines, the large display allows multiple products to be shown clearly at once, helping users make quick decisions.

Visual product presentation significantly reduces language barriers for international travelers and minimizes user errors. Even first-time users can complete a purchase smoothly without assistance.

Product Assortment Designed for Airport Needs

The product selection was configured specifically for airport consumption patterns, including:

• Ready-to-eat snacks and beverages
• Travel essentials for short-term needs
• Items that are often skipped due to store queues

For regulated products, the machine integrates age recognition technology, ensuring compliance while maintaining a fully automated purchasing process.

Payment Flexibility and Transaction Speed

To match international payment preferences, the vending machine supports multiple cashless payment options, including credit cards and mobile wallets.

Fast, contactless transactions reduce checkout time and prevent abandoned purchases—an essential factor for travelers on tight schedules.

Stable 24/7 Operation in a Demanding Environment

Airport locations require extremely high equipment reliability.
The vending machine is designed for continuous operation and has demonstrated stable performance in a 24/7 environment.

This reliability allows the machine to function as a dependable retail point regardless of flight schedules or passenger flow.

Operational Impact and Business Value

After deployment, the airport operator observed several positive outcomes:

• Part of the peak-hour retail demand shifted away from physical stores
• Average purchase time per customer was significantly reduced
• The large screen created additional advertising and brand exposure opportunities

Beyond product sales, the machine also functions as a digital display platform, increasing its overall commercial value.

Key Takeaways from the Project

This Iceland Airport customer case shows that in high-pressure public environments, the role of vending machines has evolved beyond basic product dispensing. Modern vending solutions can:

• Improve overall service efficiency
• Reduce pressure on staffed retail outlets
• Offer travelers a faster and more intuitive purchasing option

In this project, the 55-inch touchscreen vending machine successfully served as an efficiency-enhancing retail supplement.

Conclusion

In complex environments such as airports, effective vending solutions must balance speed, user experience, regulatory compliance, and operational stability.

The successful deployment at Iceland Airport demonstrates that large touchscreen vending machines can significantly enhance traveler convenience while increasing retail flexibility, making them a practical upgrade for modern airport environments.