Unisys Corporation today announced that AviaPartner, one of Europe`s fastest growing providers of ground handling services for airports, has signed a worldwide licensing agreement for the Unisys e-@ction Airport Passenger Processing System (APPS). The APPS common language facility (CLF) will give AviaPartner the flexibility to connect to multiple airline host systems simultaneously for better customer service and improved productivity.
Based in Brussels, AviaPartner provides a wide range of ground handling services at 27 European airports. As the company continues to expand its ground handling services in Europe, APPS offers one common, user-friendly, departure control system to automate the check-in, boarding and departure processes at airports. The system`s functionality and flexibility will enable AviaPartner to better utilize its personnel, deliver the highest quality ground handling services and make travel easier and more convenient for passengers.
AviaPartner selected APPS because of its modern graphical interface, support for new peripherals such as passport and frequent flyer card readers and flexibility to run on all CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment) environments. In this era of airline alliances, AviaPartner has also turned to APPS to enable its check-in agents to learn one application, rather than numerous check-in systems of multiple alliance partners.
"As an independent ground handling company, AviaPartner invests in information technology products to support the expansion of our network in Europe," said Jaak Aendekerk, vice president, Information Technology, AviaPartner. "We chose APPS because Unisys is such a strong international partner and has considerable experience in common language facility projects. With this worldwide license, we will be able to use APPS in all airports where we provide ground handling services."
Once APPS is fully operational at AviaPartner, they will be Unisys largest APPS client in terms of the number of connections via a single CLF. AviaPartner has purchased the Check-In Assistant, Local Check-In Assistant and Boarding Control Assistant modules of the APPS suite. Check-In Assistant provides a graphical front end for host passenger check-in applications. The module features easy-to-use screens and logical information-entry prompts that help expedite the check-in process and allow agents more time for making personal contact with passengers. Local Check-In Assistant features the same graphical user interface as Check-In Assistant, yet provides a local database capability that allows airport staff to perform automated check-in for airlines and charters not having their own Check-In system. Boarding Control Assistant uses magnetically encoded boarding passes and gate readers to move passengers more swiftly through the gate, as well as improve airline operations by lowering operational costs, determining seat duplications and reducing the chances for ticket fraud.
"We`re excited that APPS will play a strategic role in AviaPartner`s aggressive growth plans," said Bruce Wheat, head of Operations Management Systems, Unisys Worldwide Transportation. "As AviaPartner rolls out APPS across its network, the company will be able to provide consistent, quality ground handling service to its airline clients, while reducing its training requirements. "
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AviaPartner
AviaPartner, an independent group with headquarters in Brussels, provides a wide range of airport services at 27 European airports in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. AviaPartner is also active in Italy and Greece through local joint ventures. These services include the handling of passengers, baggage, cargo and mail, aircraft handling, maintenance and cleaning of aircraft, in-flight catering and the sale of duty-free goods. The continuous training of all staff is supported by the use of the latest work processes, ground support equipment and advanced computer technology. AviaPartner employs more than 4,000 people. In 1999, AviaPartner handled more than 140,000flights, 12,000,000 passengers and 475,000 tons of cargo. For more information on the company, access the AviaPartner home page on the World Wide Web at www.aviapartner.com http://www.aviapartner.com.
Unisys
Unisys is an electronic business solutions company whose 36,000 employees help customers in 100 countries apply information technology to seize opportunities and overcome challenges of the Internet economy. Unisys people integrate and deliver the solutions, services, platforms and network infrastructure required by business and government to transform their organizations for success in this new era. The company offers a rich portfolio of Unisys e-@ction Solutions for electronic business based on its expertise in vertical industry solutions, network services, outsourcing, systems integration and multivendor support, coupled with enterprise-class server and related technologies. The primary vertical markets Unisys serves worldwide include financial services, transportation, communications, publishing and commercial sectors, as well as the public sector, including federal government customers. Unisys is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in the Greater Philadelphia area.
For more information on the company, access the Unisys home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.unisys.com. Investor information can be found at http://www.unisys.com/investor.