KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ultra Electronics, Airport Systems today announced it has completed implementation of Canada’s first Common-Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) at St. John’s International Airport (SJIAA) in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
The system, UltraCUSE Enterprise, uses the latest VMware technology and thin client devices at the desks to replace conventional PCs and is the first of its kind in Canada, serving 46 check-in and gate positions at the airport. Ultra’s technology is integrated with SJIAA’s existing virtualized server environment to enable the flexible provisioning of gates and check-in positions so they can be shared among the airlines.
The deployment of a fully virtualized client/server solution will provide a variety of efficiencies and advantages including lower energy costs, improved maintenance and less dependency on traditional PC’s. Ultra are the only systems integrator in the world with fully deployed and fully functioning VMWare driven common-use sites, located at Orange County (CA), Denver, Seattle, Raleigh-Durham, and Helsinki. A number of other airports have been scheduled for virtualized deployments in 2012.
“Ultra’s virtualization technology and use of thin clients is a good match for our environment,” stated Frank Wyse, SJIAA’s Director of Information & Communications Technology. “We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship that will enhance the travel experience of millions of air passengers in Canada, and beyond.”
St. John’s International Airport is experiencing rapid growth as passenger traffic has doubled since the airport was privatized in 1998; a rate that is double the national average in Canada.
“We have provided a CUPPS solution that is specifically tailored to the SJIAA environment,” said Dale Kirby, Vice President and General Manager of Ultra Electronics, Airport Systems Americas. “Our approach to this project is in complete alignment with other technology initiatives at St. John’s, such as a virtualized server infrastructure, deployment of thin-clients and integration with a new VoIP telephone system to provide a unified communications platform. We are most grateful for their support of this project and based on our experiences around the world, St. John’s will be in a position to compete and provision world class services to its customers for many years to come.”
About Ultra Electronics Airport Systems
Ultra Electronics, Airport Systems is one of the leading providers of Airport Information solutions, serving more than 100 airports worldwide. Ultra’s comprehensive suite of offerings in Airport Operational Systems, Passenger Processing Systems and Ground Handling/Baggage Systems, which can be delivered as integrated solutions or managed services, meet the key business drivers of airports, airlines and ground handling agents. These offerings help our worldwide customer base to meet their common objectives of improving customer service, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. www.ultra-as.com
About St. John’s International Airports
St. John’s International Airport Authority is a private, not-for-profit organization with the mandate to provide the region with a safe, cost-efficient transportation facility that is a catalyst for economic growth. Under the provisions of a long-term Ground Lease with the Federal Government of Canada, the Airport Authority is responsible for the airport’s operations on behalf of the community it serves.