SITA technology transforms operations at Azerbaijan Airport

Air transport IT specialist, SITA, will provide the IT infrastructure, passenger processing platform and airport operations systems for Heydar Aliev International Airport’s new Terminal 1 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The new technology will transform operations, both for the airport and for Azerbaijan Airlines, enhancing the passenger experience with new self-service options and enabling the airport to handle double its current capacity.

Jahangir Askerov, Azerbaijan Airlines President, said, “In recent years, Azerbaijan has made major investments to develop the country’s air transport industry with support from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. We need modern, integrated solutions to help us process passengers more quickly, improve our operational efficiency and help facilitate growth. The new SITA systems incorporate the industry’s most advanced technology and align with all IATA recommendations, as well as the latest industry trends. We also appreciate the convenience of dealing with a single supplier, SITA, for all our IT and communications needs.”

As part of the new deal, SITA is providing consultancy services in the areas of IT infrastructure and passenger processing, along with a full range of industry-leading solutions. SITA’s AirportConnect Open  passenger processing platform will include more than 70 common-use workstations and 12 common-use self-service kiosks for check-in.  With the new platform, Azerbaijan Airlines, and all other airlines using the airport, will be able to access their respective IT applications in real-time on shared equipment. They will also be able to use any airport desk, gate or self-service kiosk for passenger check-in and boarding for maximum flexibility and convenience.

SITA’s BagManager baggage management system will improve baggage processing efficiency, reduce mishandled bags, simplify baggage operations and help to ensure on-time departures. If bags are not delivered on time, SITA’s WorldTracer kiosks will enable passengers to check the status of their bags and file a missing bag report themselves, without having to wait for an agent.  

As part of the new deal, SITA has also provided 145 new digital display screens and an advanced audio system throughout the airport terminal to keep passengers up-to-date on flight information. SITA’s AirportResource Manager helps coordinate real-time management of airport equipment, making sure resources are available when needed. SITA will support all new solutions for five years.

Dave Bakker, SITA President, Europe said: “SITA has worked with Azerbaijan Airlines for more than a decade, helping to facilitate its strategic growth plans. This project is unique in the region because we have provided both consultative services and end-to-end solutions, working in close collaboration with the airport, airline and other airport stakeholders.”

Azerbaijan Airlines, the national flag carrier of Azerbaijan, is the largest user of the new terminal at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. The terminal can process around 2,000 passengers per hour.  Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his family helped inaugurate the new terminal, which officially opened 23 April 2014.