Bangalore, Sept. 26:
Bangalore airport plans to implement mobile self check-in and RFID solutions.
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has entered into a partnership with IBM, by which passengers can use their mobile phones to check-in instead of waiting in the line.
Through this tech modernising initiative, IBM will build a technology infrastructure that will support BIAL’s future plans of providing new passenger experiences such as using a mobile phone coupled with RFID technologies, thereby freeing up its workers to concentrate on services such flight scheduling and better baggage handling, according to BIAL officials.
This solution would connect disparate systems and processes across the airport and create a scalable platform which could encourage more passengers to fly, say IBM officials. The airport’s annual air traffic volume increased by 7 per cent during 2011, and the number of passengers increased to 12.53 million from 11.24 million in 2010.
Daniel Bircher, Director Operations, BIAL, told Business Line that while the airport is equipped with monitoring systems, the increased complexity arising out of systems running on different software, is putting a lot of stress on its personnel such as Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) and other ground crew. With this solution, BIAL can reduce costs, he added.
However, BIAL did not put a number on the cost savings accrued. India is poised to move from the ninth largest civil aviation market to the top five in the world within the next decade, said Rahul Sharma, Partner, IBM Global Business Services, India/South Asia Region.
Interestingly, BIAL has undertaken this initiative at a time when air travel, especially premium travel, could be affected due to the global economic slowdown, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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