New technology supports growth at Abu Dhabi International Airport

With passenger figures expected to reach 45 million by 2017, Abu Dhabi International Airport has introduced new technology to manage growth and enhance passenger experience.

Partnering with IT provider SITA, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) will update the airport’s entire IT infrastructure in line with the systems that SITA is already implementing in the new Midfield Terminal Building, currently under construction. The implemented new technologies will help improve the airport’s operational efficiency while providing a seamless passenger experience across all three terminals.

As part of a five-year contract, SITA will provide a range of fully integrated airport systems including an airport management solution which will allow Abu Dhabi Airports to proactively manage the operations by providing real-time information from across all facilities. It is hoped the installation will enable the operations team to plan for events before they happen.

Abu Dhabi International Airport to update entire IT infrastructure

SITA will also install their AirportConnect Open product that will enable airlines to share check-in areas, kiosks and boarding areas while still having access to their own data. In addition, a Bag Manager system will be introduced allowing luggage to be tracked in real-time providing a clear status on any bag no matter where it is in the baggage system.

Elsewhere, passengers will make use of new automated boarding gates and flight information display systems.

“We are investing in new airport facilities that will allow us to accommodate the forecast future increase in passengers”

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Abu Dhabi International Airport continues to experience double-digit passenger growth and therefore we are investing in new airport facilities that will allow us to accommodate the forecast future increase in passengers. In order to achieve this we require a trusted technology partner, such as SITA, to provide one-stop, integrated IT solutions across the airport.”

Hani El-Assaad, SITA President, Middle East, India and Africa, said: “We have long admired Abu Dhabi International Airport’s ability to meet the rapid growth it has experienced over the past few years without compromising the great service offered to passengers. We have worked alongside the team at the airport to provide the technology to manage everything from check-in and airport management systems to self-boarding gates, across the existing terminals. Abu Dhabi Airports has recognized the value we bring as an IT partner who can deliver not only improved operational efficiency, but also an enhanced passenger experience.”