SITA, the aviation IT specialists, announced a new agreement with Skyservice Airlines to simplify the processing of more than one million passengers at over 70 locations worldwide, which also makes it the first Canadian airline to adopt SITA’s Advance Passenger Information Quick Query (APIS AQQ) solution approved in February by the US Department of Homeland Security.

SITA is the first IT provider to receive US government approval to transmit passenger data at check-in. The AQQ service allows the DHS to take control of vetting passenger names against the government’s terrorist watch list, prior to departure of aircraft, and then automatically deliver authority to airlines to issue, or not issue, boarding passes as each passenger checks-in.

The fully-integrated passenger management system, which SITA is delivering to Skyservice Airlines, also includes reservations and departure control services.  In addition, Skyservice has contracted with SITA for a global managed infrastructure which includes connectivity, LAN, and desktop equipment.

“SITA is a knowledgeable business partner and they are among the few – if not the only – providers who can build and operate such a complete solution at a global level,” said Skyservice Airlines CIO Hilton Reading.  “The enhancements that we are making available to our passengers via state-of-the-art automation will provide the platform for future growth.   Our focus on people and values is evident by the decisions we make to continually improve our offerings to serve our customers.”

Christian Ilumin, Director, Airports and Processes, Skyservice Airlines said: “SITA has provided us with a comprehensive solution to simplify our processes at more than 70 airports where we operate. It allows us to improve our overall visibility, control and response time to changes in market conditions. In particular, it will ensure that we stay in step with ever-evolving government security regulations. And by providing a flexible ‘all-in’ per passenger charge, our costs are now predictable and controllable.”

Skyservice Airlines carries over one million passengers annually and currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, including Airbus A-319s, A-320s, A-330, and Boeing B-757s to popular vacation destinations in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe.

Sandra Girona, Regional Vice President of SITA said: “Skyservice was interested in gaining efficiency and a competitive edge through streamlining, simplifying, and automating their operations at all of their locations.   During the initial phase of our project, Skyservice tested point products like IPVPN and Desktop Services and they were pleased with the results.  From there, we built our partnership and showed them how we can help them grow with flexible solutions and pricing for their entire passenger processing.”