SITA and Orlando
International Airport, have announced the successful completion of
testing with Continental Airlines of a ground-breaking new integrated
passenger processing solution.This system, called AirportConnect Open,
allows airlines to use the same application software on shared use CUTE
workstations, as they do at dedicated check-in positions.

By optimising existing check-in counters and gate resources, airlines
can reduce potential construction costs and increase operational
effectiveness. For passengers, it means reduced waiting times during
peak periods due to processing delays.

“This system is a completely integrated passenger processing solution
that enables airlines for the first time to fully utilize their
common-use terminal equipment (CUTE) or proprietary (non-CUTE)
applications in a shared, secure and manageable environment, without the
need for traditional certification,” said Senior Manager Technology
Robert Sloan, Continental Airlines.

“SITA’s AirportConnect Open reduces our training costs, because it runs
our legacy application - no re-training required.  In addition, we no
longer have to go through certification or maintain two sets of
applications, which is a major benefit to Continental.  And the
advantage to our passengers is that they won’t notice any increased wait
times during peak periods,” said Sloan.

Orlando International Airport anticipates major benefits for the 60+
airlines using the busiest airport in the state of Florida. 

Orlando’s Manager of Information Technology Projects, John Vinelli,
said, “The overall objective is that Orlando International Airport will
have increased utilization, flexibility, and increased functionality.
SITA’s AirportConnect Open should enable us to provide a straightforward
solution to the facilitation of a common-use environment to the airlines
at our airport.

“We expect continued growth in the coming years, and by optimising
utilization of existing check-in counter and gate resources, we can
reduce potential construction costs and increase our operational
effectiveness.”

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