Cloud to Transform Airport Experience

According to an insight paper launched by Amadeus, airports are increasingly identifying the need to switch to next generation cloud systems in order to improve operational efficiencies in a challenging marketplace.

Rising business pressures from stakeholders and competitors mean airports must make the most efficient use of IT resources to operate effectively and work more collaboratively with airlines, whilst looking for alternative revenue streams to remain competitive.

The paper indicates that modernising approaches to Common Use systems is one route to alleviate these challenges in a world that has access to the latest models of cloud computing.

The paper goes on to highlight that the industry is now ready to adopt next generation Common Use solutions to maximise the operational and commercial performance of the sector. However, some airports still have doubts stemming from concerns about resilience, privacy, security, and risk although the report suggests attitudes to these issues are gradually changing.

Michael Ibbitson, CIO, London Gatwick Airport, and report contributor said, “Today’s setup is reliant on out-dated technology and is not really embracing the revolutionary capability of the internet. Each airline using our CUPPS system needs to build integration locally, on-site. The aviation industry has tried to address the problem with the development of CUTE and CUPPS standards but, in doing so, seems to have reinforced the existing structure rather than instigate change. It is time to embrace technology as quickly as possible, and develop a fundamental shift in aviation IT.”

John Jarrell, Head of Airport IT, Amadeus said, “Airports around the globe need to look for new ways to compete and maximise the value of their resources amidst growing economic pressure. Next generation Common Use platforms based on the cloud have the ability to revolutionise the way IT is provided at airports. Dedicated cloud providers can lower costs for airports thanks to economies of scale, amongst many other benefits that allow airports the flexibility to service their customers better.”

“A cloud platform can provide an airport sufficient energy savings to allow a VW Golf to circle the earth 27 times annually, if, for example 75% of a 300-workstation airport switched to thin clients. This really is a significant upgrade from traditional CUTE or CUPPS systems – the question now is whether airports are ready to take a leap of faith and jump to the cloud. Our objective is to open the debate with the airport community,” he added.

Some of the insight paper’s key findings include:

Common Use technology has evolved little since CUTE was created in 1984, which is still more popular than the much newer CUPPS, formed in 2009. Interviewed airports find these platforms to be outdated, inflexible, complex, slow, bulky, and cost-ineffective, which affects the whole airport eco-system. Clearly, there is room for improvement.

Cloud-enabling technology has developed rapidly in recent years. Since CUPPS was first implemented in 2009, new technologies such as application virtualisation, vastly improved networks and new mobile devices have made viable to make the switch to the cloud.

Cloud technology has the potential to revolutionise airport systems. Benefits include reduced hardware and maintenance costs, saved physical space as a result of removing servers, streamlined certification and location flexibility to process passenger check-in and boarding, helping airports and airlines improve passenger service as a result.

Many airports still have doubts and hesitations concerning the cloud. The majority of these, such as resilience, privacy, security, and risk have been overcome as cloud providers have made addressing these issues a top priority.