15 January 2014

Airport Connect Renewed for 5 Years by Schipol Airport


The first European airport to provide passenger processing with SITA’s AirportConnect Open platform was Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, which has recently renewed their contract for another five years. The future-proof SITA technology includes SIM-based NFC, which allows efficiency in moving through airport checkpoints via a reliable and secure link to passengers’ smartphones. With a simple tap of the smartphone, the passenger information of a standard boarding pass is read via “Tap n’ Fly”TM, a commonly-used applet, and the industry standard for NFC.  

Available in over 400 airports worldwide, an excess of 300 airlines utilize SITA’s AirportConnect Open passenger processing platform, virtually handling millions of passengers on a daily basis.

Schiphol Airport’s 80-airline organization sees 52 million passengers annually. With SITA’s NFC technology, these passengers are enabled to pass through the airport’s special boarding gate with a quick and simple tap of their smartphone. The boarding pass on an NFC-enabled smartphone will automatically be read, regardless of whether or not the phone is turned off or the battery is dead.

“The Schiphol CLUB is always interested in collaborating on new innovations that improve airport operations and provide better service,” said SITA President, Dave Bakker. “AirportConnect Open helps improve operational efficiency and flexibility, while maximizing airport real estate. Combined with NFC, it will help the airport future proof its passenger processing technology and enable passengers to board more quickly.”

SITA’s AirportConnect Open allows airlines and their handling agents real-time admittance to IT applications on shared equipment. It also links the entire airport, enhancing service and improving airport operation, as any airline can access passenger bag drop, check-in and boarding via any agent desk, self-service kiosk or gate. The latest technologies and system upgrades can also be efficiently and inexpensively integrated with virtualization.

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