CLOUD WILL TRANSFORM THE AIRPORT EXPERIENCE: AMADEUS
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Airports are increasingly identifying the need to switch to next generation cloud systems in order to improve operational efficiencies in a challenging marketplace, according to an insight paper launched by Amadeus. IT makes sense to share: making the case for the cloud in Common Use airport technology collects the viewpoints of over 20 senior IT leaders from the airport industry to investigate the business case for adopting cloud based Common Use systems at airports.
Rising business pressures from stakeholders and competitors mean airports must make the most efficient use of IT resources to operate effectively and work more collaboratively with airlines, whilst looking for alternative revenue streams to remain competitive. The paper indicates that modernising approaches to Common Use systems is one route to alleviate these challenges in a world that has access to the latest models of cloud computing.
The paper goes on to highlight that the industry is now ready to adopt next generation Common Use solutions to maximise the operational and commercial performance of the sector. However, some airports still have doubts stemming from concerns about resilience, privacy, security, and risk although the report suggests attitudes to these issues are gradually changing.
John Jarrell, Head of Airport IT, Amadeus said, “Airports around the globe need to look for new ways to compete and maximise the value of their resources amidst growing economic pressure. Next generation Common Use platforms based on the cloud have the ability to revolutionise the way IT is provided at airports. Dedicated cloud providers can lower costs for airports thanks to economies of scale, amongst many other benefits that allow airports the flexibility to service their customers better.
A cloud platform can provide an airport sufficient energy savings to allow a VW Golf to circle the earth 27 times annually, if, for example 75 per cent of a 300-workstation airport switched to thin clients. This really is a significant upgrade from traditional CUTE or CUPPS systems – the question now is whether airports are ready to take a leap of faith and jump to the cloud. Our objective is to open the debate with the airport community.”