Melbourne Airport is switching all of its passenger services to SITA’s AirportConnect Open common-use platform.
The move follows the recent successful deployment of SITA’s common-use passenger self-service kiosks and automated bag drop.
SITA’s AirportConnect Open will now power all 275 workstations, including check-in counters and boarding gates, throughout the airport’s international terminal.
The switch is designed to allow the airport operator to maximise the use of its terminal facilities and enhance the experience for the 25 international airlines and 30 million passengers who currently use the airport.
The new facilities are part of Melbourne Airport’s plan to invest $10bn over the next 20 years and double passenger numbers to 60 million by 2030.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said: "Over the next two years Melbourne Airport is investing $1 billion in a development plan which includes the transformation of our international terminal.
"By working together with SITA and using technology in new ways we will be able to improve our processes to make the journey smoother for passengers and the airlines that serve them.
"SITA’s flexibility, innovation and dedication to our industry were why we chose to partner with them. We believe this partnership will benefit us, as well as airlines, ground handlers and passengers as we work with SITA to introduce innovations for more efficient operations."
SITA president of Asia Pacific Ilya Gutlin said: "Melbourne is delivering a world-class, future-proofed system from which to launch innovative services."
Melbourne Airport introduced international common-use self-service (CUSS) bag drops in September 2013, as part of IATA Fast Travel initiative, which is designed to improve the overall passenger experience.
The airport also partnered with SITA and BCS Group, to offer self-service units to allow passengers to ‘tag and drop’ their bags without queuing for a staff member.
The full implementation of SITA’s platform is expected by the end of February.
