SITA’s advanced technology will set the foundation for Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Midfield Terminal, which will serve an estimated 30 million passengers annually from July 2017. In a five-year deal, the air transport IT specialist will provide a full range of integrated airport solutions. This includes SITA’s next generation airport management system, common-use passenger processing platform, automated boarding gates, flight information display systems and baggage management services.
SITA will also manage technology integration at the new terminal for IT and telecommunications technology, as well as other special airport systems. The SITA team will help the airport operator, Abu Dhabi Airport Company, meet any challenges presented during construction of the new terminal and ensure the technology meets the airport’s operational goals.
Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are building the Midfield Terminal to exceed global standards for connectivity and high-tech integration. We will ensure that the very latest in every system is installed. From baggage tracking and handling to flight display systems, passengers will benefit from a highly sophisticated IT support system to ease and speed their journey through the airport.”
Hani El-Assaad, President, Middle East, India and Africa, SITA, said: “In today’s complex airport environment, it’s important to have integrated solutions that help enhance collaboration among all stakeholders. We look forward to working with the airport and its partners to deploy a connected infrastructure platform that will help streamline operations, make the airport more efficient, and create a seamless passenger experience.”
SITA’s Airport Management Solution will help the airport simplify its operations, while improving profitability. An integral part of this solution is SITA’s AirportCentral, the airport operational database, which will allow the airport to centralize all its data into a single repository of operational information. The airport can use this database to set up real-time dashboards covering the most critical aspects of its operations, as well as for flight management, billing and reporting. The airport management solution also includes SITA’s AirportVision® flight information display system to keep passengers up-to-date on flight information and SITA AirportResource Manager, which will help the airport coordinate the planning and real-time management of its fixed resources including aircraft stands, gates and check-in counters.
The airport will also benefit from SITA’s AirportConnect® Open passenger processing platform and its baggage operations management service, BagManager. To maximize flexibility and convenience, AirportConnect Open will enable all airlines using the terminal to access their respective IT applications in real-time on shared equipment and use any airport desk or gate for passenger check-in and boarding. SITA’s BagManager will provide the airport with comprehensive baggage management, delivering real-time information on baggage status and helping resolve baggage issues quickly and efficiently.
Construction of the Midfield Terminal, which is scheduled to open on 17 July, 2017, is well underway. Once complete, it will provide a home base for the United Arab Emirates’ national carrier, Etihad Airways.
