Airports invest in IT infrastructure to meet anticipated rising passengers' traffic

The 7th annual SITA Airport IT Trends Survey, co-sponsored by Airports Council International, ACI, and Airline Business, is based on responses from 128 airport operators, representing the views of 220 airports worldwide, the highest number since the survey started in 2003.The survey, which was launched at the 20th ACI World Annual General Assembly in Bermuda, found that 'reducing the cost of business' is the top investment driver for airports (52% consider this their highest priority) followed by 'improving customer service' (48%).

Top of the investment list for airports are upgrades to network infrastructure with virtualisation and VoIP featuring high on CIOs' priorities. Both technologies are seen as key to driving down IT costs so it is not a surprise that four out of five airports are planning to invest in VoIP in the next three years with 70% planning to deploy some form of virtualization by 2013.

"With self-service for passengers, such as kiosks for check-in, becoming the norm, the survey confirms that airports are now looking to invest in new areas such as e-gates for boarding, and providing information and services via passengers' mobile phones."

The survey shows strong interest (32% already

The survey shows strong interest (32% already and 22% planning to implement by 2013) in the implementation of 'Shared Airport Operations Centres' where various stakeholders can convene and have access to integrated data and real-time communications. Another IT solution identified by airports toimprove operational efficiency is passenger flow monitoring.