Munich Airport

The new product suite from Amdeus enables airports, ground handlers and airline parnters to share data more efficiently.

Munich and Copenhagen will implement Amadeus’ Airport Sequence Manager and Amadeus Airport Fixed Resource Optimiser solutions during 2013 and 2014 respectively.

According to Amadeus, Airport Sequence Manager implemented in Munich Airport unlocks existing airport capacity and reduces slot wastage with an optimised departure sequence. The impact of adverse conditions on flight departure planning would also be reduced, in particular with de-icing procedures.

In Copenhagen, Airport Fixed Resource Optimiser improves the use of infrastructure through an optimised use of stands and gates leading to reduced costs. In operations, the solution allow for a speedier turnaround process, an easier and quicker transfer and diminishing the risk of flight delays.

Michael Zaddach, senior vice president IT, Munich Airport said, “Today airports are at a crossroads and need to decide if they remain pure-play infrastructure managers or evolve the business model to become sophisticated and business-oriented service providers. However, this change poses significant challenges, many of which are technological. Amadeus is very well positioned at the heart of the travel ecosystem to help airports with this evolution and we are glad to cooperate to establish the foundations of a future-proof technology platform.”

Christian Poulsen, vice president and CIO, Copenhagen Airport said: “Operational efficiency improvements can only be transformational in an airport if all the interconnected players; airport operators, ground handlers and airlines ‘speak the same language’. Amadeus’ community approach to technology has improved the way airlines and ground handlers work together, and we keenly anticipate the day when airports too can be part of this integrated approach to operations.”

Melbourne Airport

In a related development, Melbourne Airport partners with SITA to introduce the latest in passenger self-service technology to reduce queuing time, maximise the use of its terminal facilities and enhance the overall passenger experience.

The investment with SITA is part of a billion-dollar expansion at the airport and consists of AirportConnect Open, SITA’s common-use platform, supporting common use self-service (CUSS) kiosks, along with self bag-tagging and automated self-bag drop units.

Melbourne Airport CEO, Chris Woodruff, said, “Over the next five years, we will invest more than $1 billion in our facilities to support passenger growth, and technology enhancements are a critical part of this investment. We are really pleased to be introducing international self-service bag drop to provide our passengers efficient end-to-end self-service. SITA’s technology will help us maximize our facilities, while also improving the overall passenger experience.”

The new technology will enable the 25 international airlines operating at the airport to offer self-service options to the more than 28 million passengers who pass through the airport annually.

The roll out of these new services started with 14 CUSS kiosks going live in May. Air New Zealand is the first airline to provide international self-service check-in and soon, bag-tagging via these kiosks.

Later this year, in collaboration with baggage handling system specialist, BCS Group, the airport will introduce six new automated self-service bag drop units. The bag drop units will automatically scan the bag tag, reconcile the boarding pass, and weigh and measure the bag before dispatching it for the flight – all without the need for manual assistance.

Ilya Gutlin, SITA president Asia Pacific, said, “Melbourne Airport has a history of using technology to transform its business. SITA’s end-to-end self-service offering, combined with our strength in common-use systems will help enhance the journey for all Melbourne passengers. Passengers will benefit from more flexibility, while the airport will improve passenger flows and its ability to cope with peaks in traffic.”