When it opens for travelers early 2008, the new Terminal 3 of Cairo International Airport will be equipped with the most advanced suite of airport technologies ever deployed—some 14 airport operational systems developed by…
When it opens for travelers early 2008, the new Terminal 3 of Cairo International Airport will be equipped with the most advanced suite of airport technologies ever deployed—some 14 airport operational systems developed by ARINC Incorporated. The massive $22 million (USD) project, just approved by the Cairo Airport Company (CAC), will feature several major firsts for the airport industry and the region.
ARINC will install the world’s first context-aware operational platform at an airport, expediting the ramp control and management functions at Terminal 3. This breakthrough will enhance both efficiency and security by linking employees automatically with the precise IT applications they require for work at all times.
The airport applications will “come into view spontaneously as a function of the user’s profile, work assignment (e.g. baggage handler/airline staff), type of electronic access (by workstation, portable computer, PDA, smart phone, or tablet PC), log-in location (on aircraft, in terminal, on tarmac), and the time of day. The context-aware platform will enable secure and appropriate exchange of passenger information, flight information, catering orders, security prescription, maintenance tools, and more.
Terminal 3 will also feature the first self-service CUSS kiosk installation in the Middle East for passenger check-ins. As many as 28 airlines in the terminal are expected to share ARINC’s SelfServTM kiosks, for the most convenient passenger check-in possible. Unlikestandard passenger kiosks serving just one airline, ARINC SelfServ kiosks are designed to serve passengers on any number of participating airlines.
ARINC will also deploy Egypt’s first custom-designed Biometric Immigration Gate (BIG) System at the new Terminal 3. This original solution will serve as a “Fast-Track” Automated Border Control system to streamline emigration and immigration. Use of the Biometric Gates by passengers will allow airport police officers to focus their time on sensitive passengers for manual screening, significantly reducing queues. Passengers should experience shorter waiting times for departure, arrival, and changing flights—a major benefit to frequent travelers and a competitive advantage for airlines.
ARINC will provide its iMUSETM common-use passenger system for all airlines; IP-enabled AirVUETM flight information display system (FIDS); AirDBTM airport operational database (AODB); and LocalCheckTM local DCS for airlines without host connections. ARINC will build the telecommunications backbone to support the new IT systems including Local Area Network (LAN), Network Management, and Voice over IP (VoIP).
ARINC will also deploy the airport Resource Management System, Information Kiosk and Information Broker systems. The Information Broker (IB) will serve as the backbone switch for all the data flowing across the airport. It is the heart of the IT system integration and will be extended to include other facilities, such as passenger terminals 1 and 2 and Cargo facilities, for Cairo Airport at a later date. The massive project confirms ARINC’s position as a leading airport integrator.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
