Techbytes Feb/Mar 2012

AirportConnect

SITA has been selected by San Diego International Airport to provide the passenger processing technology to underpin the airport’s $1 billion dollar improvement project. As part of the multi-year deal, SITA will provide a local departure control system (a boarding pass and bag tag issuing system for airlines without connection to their normal system), more than 300 information display monitors, over 100 common use self-service (CUSS) kiosks, and 150 common use passenger processing system (CUPPS) workstations. All will operate using the SITA AirportConnect open platform; www.sita.

Digital AOPA App

Pilots now have digital access to all information in AOPA Pilot and Flight Training magazines by downloading and viewing issues on Apple iPad tablets. Digital-edition subscribers can download the new application from the app store on their iPad devices by searching for ‘AOPA Mags.’ There is no charge for digital subscribers to download and use the app; www.aopa.org.

EASE Common Use

Air-Transport IT services, inc. announces that Anchorage and Fairbanks International Airports have chosen the AirIT EASE virtualized multi-sided infrastructure. AirIT’s EASE common use system allows any equipped ticket counter or gate podium to be utilized by any airline using their own proprietary passenger processing software without modification. The two implementations in Alaska will include full common use and LDCS (Local Departure Control System) functionality to accommodate the airport’s airline partners; www.AirIT.com.

Election Resource

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announces the ‘Election 2012’ Web resource to help the business aviation community be informed and involved in this year's elections. While NBAA does not endorse any candidate in any race, the intent of the website is to help members gather information on where candidates stand when it comes to issues impacting business aviation, say an association press release. NBAA’s Election 2012 Web resource lays out a four-step process for learning about candidates running nationally and in each state, voicing the industry's priorities with those candidates, and making an informed decision; www.nbaa.org.

Facility Maintenance

Eagle Technology, Inc. develops airport facility management and computerized maintenance management software (CMMS). Eagle’s Proteus and Equipsoft software helps airports and other facilities streamline maintenance operations while decreasing maintenance-related costs, says the company. The software provides a digital platform for building and grounds maintenance management, heating and ventilation monitoring, and alarm and security system inspections. Products are available as web-based, hosted, or client/server solutions. The software is customizable and scalable, ranging from entry-level to enterprise; www.eaglecmms.com.

Flex Pass IDs

Priva Technologies, Inc. launches its new Flex Pass program that provides travelers with fast-track access to airport security checkpoints, says the company. Users present the Flex Pass ID at designated fast-track lanes when arriving at the airport and move directly to TSA screening stations. Frequent flyers may purchase annual membership in the program online or at Flex locations at the airport. Flex Day Passes are also available allowing leisure travelers to avoid longer security lines; www.go-flex.com.

microFIDS

ARINC Incorporated has added new capabilities to its compact, wireless microFIDS flight information display system. Designed for use where conventional FIDS systems are too large and costly, the latest microFIDS advance, Way-Finding, guides travelers to a range of facilities inside airports, hotels, and convention centers. ARINC microFIDS includes a user-friendly management tool, iSmart , that allows facility personnel to easily configure arrival, departure, and airport screens, as well as manage paid advertising and the other microFIDS features, such as 2D barcode scanning.  As a wireless system, ARINC microFIDS requires only a power cord and wireless network access for operation; www.arinc.com.