Amadeus report predicts cloud will transform the airport experience
Airports are increasingly aware of the need to embrace next-generation cloud systems in order to improve operational efficiency in a market that poses numerous challenges, according to an enlightening report published by Amadeus.
The report IT makes sense to share: making the case for the cloud in common use airport technology draws on the views of more than 20 senior executives from the information technology sector as applied to the airport industry to probe the business case for the adoption of cloud-based shared-use systems by airports.
Increasing pressure from both stakeholders and competitors is forcing airports to increase the efficiency of their use of information technology resources;
The Efficient use of information technology resources to operate effectively and work more collaboratively with airlines, while seeking alternative revenue streams to remain competitive.
The report indicates that the strategy of modernization of shared-use systems is one way to address these challenges at a time when access to the latest models of cloud computing is within reach.
The report also highlights that the industry is poised to adopt the latest generation of community solutions to maximize the industry's operational and commercial performance. However, some airports still harbor concerns about privacy, security and risk, although the report suggests that the general view on these issues is gradually changing.
Michael Ibbitson, CIO of London Gatwick Airport and a contributor to the report, notes that current systems rely on outdated technology and have yet to embrace the revolutionary qualities of the Internet. All airlines using our CUPPS system need to perform local, on-site integration. The aviation industry has tried to address this problem through the development of CUTE and CUPPS standards, yet these measures appear to have reinforced the current structure rather than promoting change. It is time to embrace the technology as soon as possible and promote a fundamental change in aviation technology solutions”.
John Jarrell, head of Airport IT at Amadeus, comments that “theún latest generation of cloud-based community platforms has the ability to revolutionize the way information technology services are delivered at airports. Specialized cloud providers can help reduce costs for airports through economies of scale, among many other benefits that give airports the flexibility they need to better serve their customers”.
The report's findings include the following:
The technology that facilitates cloud computing has evolved rapidly in recent years. Since the CUPPS system was first implemented in 2009, new technologies have emerged, such as application virtualization, which have significantly improved networks, and new mobile devices that have made the move to the cloud viable.
Cloud technology has the potential to revolutionize airport systems. Among the main advantages are the reduction of equipment and maintenance costs, physical space savings due to the elimination of servers, optimization of certification processes, and flexibility in terms of the use of cloud technology;
Airports and airlines can improve the service they provide to passengers by eliminating servers, streamlining the certification process, and providing flexibility in terms of location when processing check-in and boarding.
Many airports still share doubts and hesitations about the cloud. Most of these concerns have been addressed because cloud service providers have made these issues their top priority.
Most of these concerns have been addressed because cloud service providers have made these issues their top priority.