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Tag Archives: passenger processing

Could Airport Delays be Reduced with Advance Passenger Information?

July 12, 2012
Business Aviation News
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ARINC AviSec - Passenger Data Transfer & Advanced Passenger Information - airline passenger data & aircraft communications - ARINC business aviation security

ARINC AviSec – Passenger Data Transfer & Advanced Passenger Information – airline passenger data & aircraft communications – ARINC business aviation security

Passenger numbers at UK airports is growing 5% per year – meaning that the airports are under increasing pressure to process more passengers, more quickly, with ever more stringent security checks.

Whilst automatic gates and iris/fingerprint recognition help to improve the passenger processing experience one suggestion to help alleviate the problem has been earlier delivery of advance passenger information.

The use of passenger data in advance would allow screening, prior to arrival. Passengers are already required to provide data about themselves and their journey at different points before departure. From the outset, they supply key information as part of passport and visa applications. This basic identity and biographic information is being strengthened through the linking of the passport or visa to biometric data, fingerprints, facial images or iris scans. In addition, individuals increasingly provide further information to the airline through advanced passenger information when they reserve their ticket and then, at check-in, creating an assured picture of individual and travel plans.

Consolidating this data and making it routinely available to immigration authorities as soon as it is collected will enable them to carry out effective profiling and pre-clearance of travellers. Authorities will be able to use this data to identify in advance any potential risks to public safety, national security or association with criminal activity. .

The challenge for airlines and operators is transmitting this data effectively. When choosing a provider of passenger data transfer airlines need to be assured that they not only receive a reliable and cost efficient solution at the present, but that they are using a provider that can cope with future innovations, such as those suggested here.

ARINC has been delivering high-performance messaging the aviation for over 50 years and is the innovative leader in aircraft communications. Their AviSec Messaging product deals directly with this and customers can rely on an accurate service that will evolve with border security developments. For more information please visit: avisec-messaging.com

Evolving Self-Service Kiosks

July 4, 2012
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Evolving Self-Service Kiosks

Evolving Self-Service Kiosks

In June Airport Business Magazine featured the evolution of the kiosk. As passengers come to expect technologies to make their check in process simpler companies such as ARINC have reacted to the demand to offer ever increasingly advanced solutions.Common-use self-service (CUSS) kiosks are now extensively used across Europe, but now we are seeing the next generation – kiosks that allow passengers to check-in, select their seat, print boarding passes, and print out their own baggage tags.

ARINC provides cost effective solutions for private and commercial airlines to improve efficiency and security.

In recent years common-use technology that enables multiple airlines to share computer systems at airport check-in desks and boarding gates has become well established. The next decade will see many airports and airlines moving away from PC-based applications to those hosted in cloud computing environments. The advantages of hosted services include not only lower capital outlay and greater efficiency, but also a reduction in power consumption, space requirements and IT airport costs.

ARINC will continue to exploit the benefits of common-use technology by designing new systems to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. At the same time, the company provides a comprehensive service to enhance customers’ legacy solutions, ensuring they are CUPPS (Common-use Passenger Processing System) compliant and certified.

It is all part of the service at ARINC, which has significant experience in delivering reliable, versatile and innovative solutions to improve all airport operations, from baggage management and passenger reconciliation to terminal optimisation and automated turnaround activity.

EU/US Passenger Name Records Debate

May 24, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Yet again this month we heard about the on-going debate between the EU and US on passenger name records.

The agreement allows US authorities access to data collected by airlines including passenger names, addresses, credit card details and seat numbers. There are provisions in the agreement limiting the use of PNR, and individuals will have the right to access their data, to have incorrect data corrected and the right to redress under the agreement.

Passenger name records and Advance Passenger Information (API) is obligatory in the USA and all EU member states. The information must be sent to the destination country’s border security department for effective border management. Failure to supply API can land airlines with fines of up to $5,000.

For the business aviation market cost effective solutions that fully comply are a must. ARINC offers a cost effective and reliable solution, called AviSec Messaging.

AviSec offers airlines Advanced Passenger Information & Passenger Name Records (PNR) systems to allow them to comply with current regulation and implement air transport security measures.

ARINC processes 25 million messages each day – over 50% of the world’s operational Type B traffic. For more information please visit: avisec-messaging.com

AviSec Messaging - Passenger Name Records

AviSec Messaging – Passenger Name Records

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ARINC Contract Renewed by Tan Son Nhat International Airport

May 24, 2012
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This month we heard that Tan Son Nhat International Airport has asked ARINC to continue their contract to provide maintenance and support services for its passenger processing systems. Multiple products are in place there including the common use system, which processes passengers faster and more efficiently by sharing airport infrastructure and resources

“We are very pleased to renew our maintenance contract with ARINC,” said Mr. Tran Van Thang, Deputy General Director of the former SAC. “They have provided us with an exceptional level of support, and our customers, including the airlines and ground handling companies have given us very positive feedback on system performance.”

ARINC offers a multitude of multi user system environment solutions for passenger processing at airports.  vMUSE Enterprise, the latest version of ARINC’s well-known MUSE® (Multi-User System Environment) common use platform, combines the security and reliability of vMUSE with advanced virtualisation technology to provide seamless, multi-airline check-in without having to install and manage on-site servers and platform software.

For more information please visit: www.vmuse-enterprise.com

Virtual airport common use systems

Virtual airport common use systems

Focus on e-Borders – Electronic Border Management Systems

May 22, 2012
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Electronic borders have been regularly in the news over the last few months and years so I wanted to do a focus on what they have to offer both individuals and airlines. The UK Home office wants to implement e-borders to improve border security by screening travel document information (TDI), otherwise known as Advance Passenger Information (API), on people travelling to, and from, the UK. Already routinely submitted by airlines this data can be used both for border security and has the potential to deliver improvements to migration and population statistics.

e-Borders works by taking biographical TDI (API) of passengers and crew members via their air, sea or rail carrier prior to travel either into or out of the UK. TDI is the biographical data on a travel document i.e. name, date of birth, nationality, gender, travel document type, state of issue, number and expiry date. The information is provided electronically to e-Borders by the airlines, who are legally responsible for collecting the data.

Airline Responsibility

The legal responsibilities of airline carriers are found in the migration laws and regulations of the state that grants those rights to land. All carriers must therefore be familiar with, and comply with, a wide range of legislation and regulations relating to national border control procedure and admittance.

Having effective and harmonised guidelines to deal with the communication of advance passenger information, improperly documented travellers, the denial of boarding to potential asylum-seekers, and arrangements in regard to inadmissible passengers who are in transit are important for airlines and airports to meet their obligations and provide the highest levels of customer service, as well as keep control of operational costs of staff and IT systems incurred as a result of new security requirements and mandates.

Border Management Systems

There are a wide variety of border management systems available. The ARINC Border Management System is designed to adapt to operational changes new technology, enabling quick integration with new Border Control agencies demands and requirements.

The ARINC Border Management system is a role-based system and offers a full stay management capability, managing entry and exit processes, and improving traveller flow. The system supports secondary line investigative processes, enabling immigration, customs and other agencies to co-ordinate resources for a holistic view on potential threats.

Affordability?

All airlines, but especially those in business aviation need to consider cost in addition to effectiveness.  The complete ABMS solution features an adaptable platform to protect your investment long term and the flexibility of a local, distributed, or cloud configuration. For more information please visit: www.electronicborders.com

ARINC Electronic Border Management System

ARINC Electronic Border Management System

Poland’s Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport Prepares for EURO 2012 Crowds

April 23, 2012
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Tens of thousands of football fans will be arriving this arriving in Poland this summer to attend the EURO 2012TM tournament matches. The Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport has recently more than doubled its passenger capacity by increasing airside infrastructure and adding a second passenger terminal

The sharp increase in passenger numbers expected has led the airport to chose vMUSE Enterprise hosted technology from ARINC Incorporated as its common-use passenger check-in and departure solution.

ARINC say “Unlike common-use systems that require costly IT hardware on site, ARINC’s vMUSE Enterprise solution delivers passenger processing as an Internet service. The check-in and departure functions use inexpensive “thin client” terminals in conjunction with an Internet connection.”

Because the data processing for vMUSE Enterprise occurs at an off-site data centre managed by ARINC, there is no need for the costly servers, core rooms, and computer workstations typical with other common-use systems. The need for on-site server maintenance, back-ups, and health checks is also eliminated. Airports can lower their IT capital and support costs while enjoying advanced common-use passenger services with improved overall system reliability and security.

As an added benefit, vMUSE Enterprise greatly reduces power consumption compared with conventional server-based core systems, enabling airports to lower their carbon footprint.

Along with Warsaw, Poznan, and Wroclaw, Gdansk is one of Poland’s four Host Cities with venues for the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) EURO 2012 matches. With the opening of Terminal 2, Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport will serve 5.0 million passengers a year. In addition to facility improvements for EURO 2012, the airport will enact a special management plan to ensure efficient and friendly service for the volume of fan traffic expected from all over Europe.

Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) Pilot Service for Cyprus by ARINC

April 4, 2012
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ARINC’s EMEA Government & Security Division have installed its Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) messaging service to support a pilot Advance Passenger Information (API) message transmission project for the Cyprus Police and Civil Registry and Migration Department within the Ministry of Interior.

ARINC Advance Passenger Information System

ARINC Advance Passenger Information System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The APIS service was deployed to support evaluation of the use of API as part of enhanced border control in Cyprus. The project was conducted in full cooperation with the Cyprus Police and Civil Registry and Migration.

“ARINC greatly values the relationship we have established with the Cyprus Police and the research and development department” said Ray Batt, ARINC Director, Government & Security. “ARINC is eager to become an important technology partner with the Cyprus Police and Civil Registry and Migration Department at the Ministry of Interior and to further assist Cyprus in reaching its future border control objectives.”

“This APIS pilot system is based on our latest Advance Passenger Information eXchange (APIX) platform,” Batt continued. “We strongly believe that the future will demand a continuous increase in the integration of intelligence-led border control systems with advance border control information systems, using Advance Passenger Information (API). The use of API will help increase border security and make the process faster and simpler for the travelling public.”

For more information on APIS please visit avisec-messaging.com

Advance Passenger Information Data Row

February 16, 2012
Business Aviation News
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AviSec Advance Passenger Information
AviSec Advance Passenger Information

This month we heard that the US and European Governments are disputing a deal on passenger data sharing – put together to fight serious crime and terrorism.

Advance Passenger Information (API), is obligatory in the USA and all EU member states. Increasingly it is being required by governments around the world. Combined with Passenger Name Records (PNR), this information must be sent to the destination country’s border security department for passenger screening, crucial for effective border management. Failure to supply API can land airlines with fines of up to $5,000.

One Dutch parliament member has spoken against the new deal, and if enough support is gathered the EU could vote against the deal in April. A rejection by the Parliament could leave major commercial airlines serving trans-Atlantic routes in a form of legal limbo – as airline would be obliged to supply the information to the US – but face legal action from EU passengers.

The dispute over passenger name records (which can include names, addresses, phone numbers, itineraries and credit card numbers) demonstrates the differing priorities of the US and EU.

Carriers looking to improve their Advance Passenger Information provision and remain in line with the latest legal requirements can turn to the industry leaders ARINC. The AviSec Messaging service has served the air transport industry’s need for secure, reliable messaging for over 50 years. Secure delivery is paramount for airlines which must transmit API in the form of batch flight manifests to border control agencies in the destination country.

Interactive API requires a fast and efficient query-response environment. AviSec leverages ARINC’s travel industry messaging service and supports a broad spectrum of IP protocols and legacy airline protocols.

For more information please visit www.avisec-messaging.com.

Investigating Common-use Passenger Processing Systems

January 12, 2012
Business Aviation News
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The choice of common-use passenger processing systems available to airlines and airport operators was significantly broadened four months ago when ARINC’s established vMUSE product achieved CUPPS 1.1 certification.

Common Use Passenger Processing Systems

Common Use Passenger Processing Systems

Endorsed by global organisations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing System) is the key industry standard designed to promote uniformity in passenger processing platforms. Compliance reduces the time, effort and cost associated with deploying individual airline applications for check-in and other functions at the airport.

vMUSE received the CUPPS 1.1 stamp of approval in September 2010 following a successful beta test programme at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and extensive formal compliance testing by renowned independent software validation provider Lufthansa Systems. “Independently proven adherence to the specification will assure the success of CUPPS,” says Lufthansa Systems’ Dietrich Hasselhorn, who oversaw the work. “ARINC’s vMUSE successfully passed compliance testing to prove it can successfully run any airline application written to the CUPPS 1.1 standard.”

ARINC installed the world’s first live operational CUPPS platform at Las Vegas in January 2009. Since then it has handled over 250,000 passengers, successfully running multiple airline applications .

Rob Sutton, ARINC global product manager, worked closely with IATA during development of the CUPPS standard and subsequently on the Las Vegas pilot programme and final certification testing.

“CUPPS is the first joint industry recommended practice to have been backed by IATA, ACI (Airports Council International) and ATA the US Air Transport Association,” he says. “It was formally released in November 2009, though our pilot programme at Las Vegas had been running to the initial CUPPS 1.0 standard since January of that year. Lufthansa Systems completed its testing of vMUSE/CUPPS 1.1 in a single week last March, and we have been offering a completely compliant product to the market for the past four months.”

There is at least one other compliant offering on the market, but Sutton is confident that the prospects for many more vMUSE/CUPPS 1.1 implementations are bright. “vMUSE can support both CUPPS and legacy airline applications simultaneously. If an airport operator chooses vMUSE it is covered for all possible scenarios: whatever the application selected by each individual carrier, the airport can be confident that vMUSE will support it.”

The CUPPS standard continues to evolve. Version 1.2, was agreed in 2010, while Version1.3 , which will be released early this year, will focus on printing, with a particular emphasis on Windows spooling and printing. “We’re already working to apply the new versions to VMUSE,” says Sutton. “CUPPS is the future of passenger processing, and we are determined to keep our products aligned with this industry recommended practice.

For more information visit www.vmuse-enterprise.com.