Page 25 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2013 Online Magazine

FEATURE IT SYSTEmS

introducing their own apps for consumer
use. However, we’re not concerned that
it represents the best use of resources.
You must have it available on a range of
platforms,” he warns.
Ibbitson says Gatwick is exploring
ways to work with others, to share
data so that people can still obtain the
best travel experience, but without
having to download and manage an
exclusive app. “For example, Google
Now is a self-learning app for Android
systems. It answers questions, makes
recommendations and takes actions,
passively delivering information based on
user-initiated search habits,” he says.
Like Ibbitson, Amadeus sees the future
in mobile when it comes to aviation IT.
“We are an advocate of the use of mobile
in travel; mobile computing and data
says Yang Jianhong, CEO of HKA. It worked. collaborative decision making tools, exchange will continue to revolutionise the
Now, following the success of the trial part of which involves ground handlers traveller experience,” asserts Hussein. His
HKA is looking at integrating the contact sharing information. “This will help us to company is developing a suite of mobile
centre, ticket-booking, and baggage query improve the timing of turnarounds and web and mobile applications for airline
system into Huawei’s cloud system. the sequencing of aircraft movements,” customers providing capabilities including
It’s the same at many airports. says Ibbitson. “This will enable us to get mobile flight booking with date selection
London’s Gatwick Airport has some as many as 55 movements an hour. For a options, real-time flight status checking
unique challenges. It only has one runway, one-runway airport, that is extraordinary!” and schedule disruption management.
is an hour by train from London, and has a Ibbitson has also pioneered the use of But the last word must go to outsourcer
reputation as a charter destination rather connected iPads by the airport disruption SITA. It says nine out of 10 airlines and
than full service provision. This means suite staff. This means staff can liaise airports are investing in smartphone apps
rapid and efficient passenger handling across the airport as any disruption is for passenger services. “The industry
were paramount in expansion plans. assessed and dealt with. “Armed with recognises the opportunity,” says Watkins.
“A key focus for me at the moment the right levels of live information, “Passengers value mobile check-in, thanks
is how to improve integration of the management can better deal with any kind to the convenience of mobile boarding
massive amount of data and IT services of disruption more effectively,” he asserts. passes and flight status updates. Some 40%
we have available to us. This is so we can The airport is also looking at ways it can of airlines and airports have introduced
offer a better service to passengers,” help passengers who have booked online if these functions in their mobile apps.” The
says Michael Ibbitson, CIO at London they want to change airlines or destinations rest are quickly following suit, apparently,
Gatwick Airport. So rather than simply – something dedicated mobile systems with an impressive 80% global deployment
adding more complexity, Gatwick is don’t always do well. “There’s no doubting by 2015. If you still have that old Mars-bar
concentrating on using IT to work smarter. the importance of mobile technology – and Nokia or Samsung phone, dump it. They
It is developing comprehensive airport we’ve noted that many airports are now won’t let you on board in a year or so.

89% 90% 40% 89%

of airlines will sell tickets of airlines will offer more passengers use of passengers want
via mobile apps by 2015 moblie check in by 2015 mobile check-in today flight updates on
compared to 2010 their mobiles

WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS 25