Two mainstays of the aviation industry, Swissport International and SITA INC (InformationNetworking Computing) signed an agreement to…
Two mainstays of the aviation industry, Swissport International and SITA INC (InformationNetworking Computing) signed an agreement to develop a standardized user-interface for self-service kiosks which will be available worldwide and provide a common platform for all airlines’ and passengers’ check-in needs.
The persistent efforts of airlines to minimise their costs and the desire among passengers for even shorter and simpler check-in procedures are two of the main challenges faced by the ground handling sector today. The fast, user-friendly devices incorporating the latest IT technology will be designed to slash waiting times for passengers, to reduce queues and to replace individual airline self-service check-in.
In the medium term, the new self-service solution known as CUSS (for “common use self-service”), is being rapidly adopted at numerous airports, and thus offers promising market potential.
SITA INC’s and Swissport’s experience in passenger management facilitated the development of this new technology which was deployed at Athens Airport during the last Olympic Games. Additionally, it also allows smaller Airlines (which do not need their own Airport infrastructure facilities) to fully benefit of this new technical solution.
Joseph In Albon, CEO at Swissport International, identified the drivers for the agreement as the industry’s need to cut costs and simplifying the business processes as well as to fulfill the desire of passengers for easier check-in procedures. The simpler processes and wider applications will mean less waiting and less stress at the airport – both of which should prove very popular with passengers, said In Albon.
Several players have been working on concepts of this kind but the complex nature of the technology and differing customer demands have limited development to individual systems for specific airline customers. The collaboration between Swissport and SITA INC now offers, for the first time, the opportunity to create a truly global common application in the airport environment that covers both airlines’ and passengers’ check-in needs, said SITA INC managing director, Francesco Violante.
Details of CUSS applications under development as part of this new partnership between Swissport and SITA INC will be announced/demonstrated at the IATA Ground Handling Conference in Bangkok which runs from May 16 to 18.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
