"Paxflow can predict the number of passengers at any time or point in any airport a week in advance with at least 90% accuracy," says Gerard Dumont, senior consultant, IBM business consulting services SA.
"This means reduced queues at the check-in desk, passport control and customs as well as a quicker turn-around on baggage," he explains.
The system uses algorithms developed in IBM`s Zurich research laboratory and works in conjunction with the Amadeus passenger reservation system to forecast passenger flow patterns.
Paxflow processes information such as flight reservations, airport layout, airport staff schedules and passenger processes to predict passenger pressure before matching the demand with staffing requirements at specific points throughout the airport.
"Although the core technology is tried and tested, what makes Paxflow unique is that it does not use historical data alone, but this is combined with real reservation data," says Markus Kunz, senior consultant, IBM business consulting services EMEA.
Simulation results are delivered to airport management as reports consisting of graphs indicating the anticipated passenger volumes and distribution.
"We are in negotiations for an implementation of the Paxflow system at a major international airport," says Kunz. "The South African air transport industry will be able to look to this implementation when considering how to best deal with the high air passenger volumes expected for the soccer world cup in 2010."
Paxflow is a product of a strategic alliance between IBM and Amadeus aimed at assisting airlines, airports and transportation companies to upgrade IT infrastructure.
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