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Philippines Implementation of APIS to Improve Passenger Travel

May 7, 2014
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Providers of secure, reliable APIS deliveryIn a bid to make the travel experience for passengers as smooth as possible, the Philippines will make the implementation of Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) next year. Carried out jointly with the Department of Justice, Department of Budget and Management Bureau of Immigration, the vital data concerning all passengers will be assessed between 120 hours to 15 minutes prior to departure.

Aside from the security aspects of reliable APIS, the Philippines have long been struggling with efficiencies on the ground, as flights tend to arrive quickly, in succession. The long ground delays have been a problem, causing chaos within terminals as passengers endure queues, hold-ups in baggage areas and a lack of trolleys.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said, “The ideal travel experience is one without interruption. We want the entry of travellers into the Philippines to become as smooth and seamless as possible so we need an efficient tool such as an electronic API. This would avoid long queue in our airports, as we can already identify passengers who are ‘bad’ or ‘good.’ But, of course, we have to have a balance between border control/security with that of ease of entry into our airports.”

The benefits of APIS are clear to see and easy to implement. “All we have to do is to synchronize the system with that of the Philippines government. It will be up to the Philippines authorities to align their systems with the airline companies’ systems,” explained Roberto Lim, IATA Country Manager for the Philippines.

Streamlining passenger processes are just one of the advantages of APIS implementation. The ability to screen passengers in advance gives the authorities the opportunity to spot ‘at risk’ travellers and expedite ‘safe’ ones. Providers of APIS technology offer secure and reliable ways of APIS delivery across the world.

Global Business Environment Encouraged by Language Training for Cabin Crew

April 8, 2014
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Cabin Services Providers for Enhanced Passenger ExperienceCabin services are set to be enhanced for global business awareness as Japanese airline, All Nippon Airways announced a partnership with EF Education First to provide language training via a cloud-based school.

The plans come in the wake of the recently-released corporate strategy for the airline as it plans to increase passenger operations by 45% over the next two years. Global expansion is a key factor and ANA believe that highly-trained and prepared personnel can contribute to their plans.

ANA was last year awarded the Skytrax 5-star Airline ranking for the quality of cabin services, airport operations and enhancements to the service provided for international passengers.

President and CEO of ANA, Osamu Shinobe has high hopes for his airline, ‘As a full service carrier that is aiming to become the world’s leading airline, we want to further enhance the level of service that is provided by our employees. EF has an excellent track record in providing quality language training programs and this partnership will boost our improvement efforts. I have high expectations that this partnership will lead to even better services for our customers.’

President of EF Education First, Mr Peter Burmann said, ‘We are extremely proud to partner with ANA and support them in reaching their English goals. Our industry-specific expertise makes us well-suited to deliver the necessary customised training to ANA and we are looking forward to starting the training and seeing outstanding results.’

Santiago International Airport Upgrade Baggage Handling System

April 8, 2014
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Leading Baggage Handling Solutions ProvidersChilean Santiago International airport has announced the order for an Explosive Detection Scanner (EDS) as part of an upgrade to security. The contract has been awarded to Smiths Detection, through its regional authorised partner, Aerotech. The airport expansion plans are due to a rise in air traffic, noticeable throughout the world.

The order is the first for Smith Detection for the new HI-SCAN 10080 XCT EDS and was won after public tender application. The system was chosen, according to the airport, because it best met the needs for the expansion plans. Based on dual-energy, dual-view x-ray technology, the EDS has a large central opening and capacity for 1800 bags per hour at 98 ft per minute.

Many airports around the globe are upgrading baggage handling systems and looking at a more automated approach to streamline the passenger processing system as passenger demand increases.

Higher Taxes for Business Aviation Passengers in the UK

April 4, 2014
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Business Jet Fares May Rise in UKLast month the UK government announced revisions to the air passenger duty of more than 50%, which could affect business aircraft passengers as the cost is passed on. From 1st April 2015, aircraft weighing more than 20 metric tons with fewer than 19 seats on flights of more than 2,000 miles will race a higher rate of £426. The rate will be £78 for shorter flights, but broader changes mean that flights longer than 6,000 miles will see lower charges.

The APD changes have come as a ‘complete surprise’ to the British Business and General Aviation Association, who have requested a meeting with UK tax officials to attempt to secure amendments to the changes before they come into force next year, warning of ‘unintended consequences’. It is feared that the potential rise in fares for business passengers could damage the business aviation sector and ultimately, the ‘inward investment it brings to the UK’.

Self-Service Bag Drop Solution for Finavia

April 3, 2014
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Self-Service Bag Drop Solutions ProvidersAll over the world, self-service and common use bag drop systems and check-in systems are promising ease of use and expedited passenger processing. Finavia has been using bag drop solutions in Helsinki airport in a pilot scheme since 2012 and now plan to expand the scheme with a further ten machines to be placed in Helsinki and two at Oulu Airport later in the year.

The success of the self-service bag drop solution has not been confined to Finavia, as the machines were in use by SAS and Norwegian airlines as well. Positive feedback has been received for all machines from passengers, airline and airport staff.

Ville Haapsaari, Director of Helsinki Airports said, ‘Increasing the number of machines is a global trend in air traffic services. Self-service, such as bag drop machines, makes the check-in times of passengers much more flexible, evens out the busy periods at the airport and increases the check-in capacity of terminals. More effectively produced airport services also provide airlines with cost advantages, which are also ultimately the precondition for moderate flight ticket prices’.

Automated self-service bag drop solutions carry the luggage from the passenger to the cargo hold with no other intervention from airline staff. Self-service check-in allows passengers to check-in online, attend the airport with less time to wait for the flight, drop off baggage with self-printing baggage tags and board the plane.

This is why scanning machines are critical to the success of the process. All baggage must still be checked enroute to the aircraft effectively and efficiently to minimise delays, while maintaining utmost safety.

Malaysia Tightens Airline & Airport Security

April 1, 2014
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Airport Security Solutions Providers

While the reason for the disappearance of flight MH370 is still unclear, Malaysian Defence Minister, Hishammuddin Hussein spoke earlier this week about the suggestion from investigators that the behaviour of the aircraft before vanishing from radar and radio contact was ‘consistent with deliberate action’ by someone onboard. Malaysia has agreed to ‘step up’ airline and airport security measures.

The comments followed strong advice from industry experts to consider better security measures across the world to minimise the threats against security. Malaysian Home Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that officials were re-examining security within airports and particularly at Kuala Lumpur International and consistently around airport security procedures and protocol for key entry points.

Malaysian authorities have confirmed that they do not check the Interpol database of lost and stolen passports, explaining that there are compatibility and speed issues with the system. This is in spite of the fact that the database contains more than 40 million entries. Early indications show that the stolen passports used to board flight MH370 had been reported missing more than 12 months before.

According to security experts, Malaysia could effectively enhance passenger screening with the use of current security measures if carried out correctly and efficiently without causing severe ground delays and by working with International law enforcement groups, such as Interpol.

“It’s very much the case that global organized criminal networks have exploited the lax government arrangements in Southeast Asia,” said Mr Carl Ungerer, lecturer of International relations at Australian Bond University, ‘Countries in the region should improve coordination between law enforcement agencies on intelligence sharing.’

‘We have increased security and enhanced monitoring procedures on board all our aircraft. However, for security purposes we are unable to discuss any such procedures publicly,’ a Malaysia Airlines spokeswoman said.

Flight MH370 Prompts Aviation Security Messaging Questions

March 29, 2014
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Aviation Security Messaging ConcernsThe recent disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has raised global questions about the effective use of aviation security messaging for both aircraft communications systems and passenger data transfer.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggest that a more refined, tailored approach to security messaging is needed, as current measures appear to be unsuitable in a general sense. With the technology available today, such as biometric security and electronic passports, information can be shared in real-time, allowing passengers to be screened more effectively.

Although the mysterious disappearance of the Boeing 777-200ER has encouraged tighter security in airports across the world, questions are being asked why passengers were allowed on board with stolen passports, whether the incident is linked to the disappearance or not, as has been speculated.

The aircraft’s communications systems were allegedly switched off intentionally and continued to ‘handshake’ with the satellite network, Inmarsat until 8.11 am, when over the Indian Ocean and low on fuel.

Finding a balance when conducting security measures means treading a fine line. Security within airport operations should work in conjunction with border control agencies and government bodies to ensure that security should be tight, but effective, without causing major ground delays.

Airport operations software can help to streamline passenger processing, while maintaining high biometric screening levels and allowing passenger data to be checked, such as with the provision of advance passenger information, now mandatory in the U.S. since the events of 9/11.

Rockwell Collins & Heathrow AOC Ltd Sign Agreement for ARINC Passenger Processing & Information Management Systems

March 25, 2014
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ARINC Solutions for Information Management & Passenger Processing Rockwell Collins have been awarded a five-year contract to place ARINC’s vMUSE in four common-use terminals at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The contract was awarded through Heathrow AOC Ltd on the strength of Rockwell Collins’ recent acquisition of ARINC Inc. LHR will upgrade their current ARINC MUSE platform in terminals 1,2 and 3 to the latest vMUSE implementation and will install a new system in Terminal 4, supporting more than 1,500 common-use workstations.

The upgrades will bring the latest CUPPS standards, offering airlines and LHR greater efficiency and cost management opportunities. The vMUSE platform allows the extension of CUPPS support to off-site locations and is a scalable solution for baggage drop and information management systems.

“As one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow must utilize the most effective passenger processing technologies available,” said David P. Wilding, chairman of the AOC Shared Systems Board. “The ARINC system enables us to meet the needs of our member airlines by improving the efficiency and flexibility of passenger processing, which ultimately enables us to provide the best customer service possible.”

“We’ve been working with LHR for many years, and are delighted that the AOC has decided to renew and expand its relationship with us,” said Tony Chapman, executive director, Heathrow for Rockwell Collins’ Information Management Services business. “As passenger traffic continues to grow, we remain committed to providing airlines and airports of all sizes with the most efficient solutions available to meet passenger demands.”

Edinburgh Airport Introduces New Bag Drop System

March 24, 2014
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Single Bag Drop Solutions for Multi-Airline UtilisationEdinburgh airport has become the first to bring multi-airline bag drop system operation to the UK in a move that has seen them install ten, new self-service kiosks and web-based software that operates a fully common, shared bag drop facility for its passengers.

Operated by EasyJet and FlyBe, passengers will retain control of their entire check-in experience, from online check-in and self-printed boarding pass to baggage weigh in and luggage tag attachment, when they will be directed to a drop off point to dispatch their luggage.
Although new to Edinburgh and the UK, this system is in operation in CUTE platforms across the world and is designed to streamline airport operations. Using common-use functions for bag drop system operation speeds up the check-in process and allows cost-sharing within the terminal, also freeing up premium space.

This is just the beginning for Edinburgh airport, as they plan to continue a programme of investment for the installation of the latest technological solutions. Later this year, they plan to carry out a trial for a baggage storage facility, where passengers will be able to check-in luggage in advance of the flight.

David Wilson, chief operating officer at Edinburgh Airport, says: “New ownership has allowed us to be creative in the way we look at the check-in process. A huge amount of research, engagement and investment has gone into this new process and we’re delighted to officially launch the first multi-airline common bag drop facility in the UK with our partners at easyJet and Flybe.

Disturbing Figures Raise Questions into UK Passport Checks

March 11, 2014
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More About Advance Passenger InformationIt has been revealed that as many as 20 million passports per year may not be receiving proper consideration in the UK alone. These shocking figures come as the Home Office estimated that only 90% of Advanced Passenger Information (API) is being received. API is passenger data that is electronically gathered and transmitted to government and border agencies for checking and comparison to international ‘at risk’ registers. API can detect high risk passengers on ‘no-fly’ lists across the world and can ensure that terrorist activity is kept at bay.

If these estimates tell us that 10% of UK API is not being received, this could spell an average of 20 million passports that are not being checked properly. Interpol say that countries are not doing enough checks against its list of stolen passports. Globally, this figure could reach up to one billion passengers; a disturbing figure.

API is mandatory for all passengers travelling to and from the US and has been so in the wake of the official investigation into the tragic events of 9/11. Last year, the EU questioned the use of API with regard to the privacy aspect and raised issues about the use of the information, once gathered and checked.

Once reported stolen, UK passports are cancelled and deemed unusable for travel. International stolen passports are entered into the Interpol Lost and Stolen Database, accessible by border security agencies for comparison.

The Home Office are looking into the figures to clarify the situation and are working towards improving coverage.