Amadeus Launches New Platform for Airport of the Future

Amadeus today reinforced its commitment to developing the airport of the future with the launch of Amadeus Airport Common Use Service (ACUS), a next-gen airport platform capable of carrying out all passenger processing functions.

The cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution platform will allow airlines and ground handlers to share the physical space and the IT resources of the airport, eliminating hosting and development burden.

The majority of the world’s airports currently run a traditional common use model, including a long-term supplier and on-site IT infrastructure. The adoption of Amadeus ACUS will allow airports to eliminate on-site systems, lowering their operational expenses and minimising their environmental impact.

Furthermore, Amadeus says they will improve their agility and flexibility to respond to unforeseen situations such as weather disruptions and traffic peaks. Airlines will also be able to reduce costs thanks to centralised connectivity to airports and simplified passenger processing.

Amadeus ACUS’ key features include:

• Application virtualization technology - reduces airports’ need for on-site equipment, saving costs and space

• Delivered via SaaS model, centrally hosted in a state-of-the-art data centre – allows scalability and resilience for any size airport, airline and ground handler.

• Based on secure network connectivity and 4G communications – fast and easy to deploy and maintain, able to run operations both on and off the airport

• Connection to all airline Departure Control System and airport applications – cost effective and centralised connectivity for airlines expanding their network to new airports whilst lowering network costs

• Complete end-to-end solution delivery – from software to end-user hardware with 24-7 on-site support

• Compatible with industry standards (CUPPS and PCI) – providing a secure and reliable solution

John Jarrell, Head of Airport IT at Amadeus, said, “The airport industry has advanced tremendously from the days of dedicated airline check-in desks towards a much more flexible and shared environment. It is now ready to embrace more change in order to maximise commercial and operational performance, and it can derive huge efficiencies from moving towards a common use service. Airlines have already chosen cloud technology to run many critical applications that are centrally hosted, and I believe the airport industry will follow this trend with Amadeus ACUS. Our platform will enable the airport ecosystem to use its resources much more intelligently, ultimately improving the passenger experience and taking the next step towards becoming the airport of the future.”