Abu Dhabi- UAE, 29 August 2009: With a target of 40 million passengers by 2012 and preparations underway for the final World Championship Formula One race of the 2009 season, the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is simplifying check-in by installing SITA's CUSS (common use self-service) kiosks at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
In this five-year, US $2.2 million deal, SITA will install 24 kiosks across Abu Dhabi International Airport's three terminals. In addition, SITA will provide ongoing maintenance across the critical systems at both of the ADAC-operated international airports in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Through shared use by all airlines operating at the airport, the kiosks will allow ADAC to increase capacity during peak times and avoid the need to invest in fixed check-in areas. The 24 new kiosks will be in operation by September.
Michael J. Ibbitson, VP Information & Communication Systems, ADAC, said: "The use of these CUSS kiosks will deliver faster and more convenient check-in, ensuring that both our passengers and our airline customers receive the highest level of service. By providing common-use kiosks we can accommodate the extra flow of travellers during peak hours and for special events such as the hosting of Formula One in November and the FIFA Club World Cup in December".
Hamed Al Hashemi, Head of ICS Operations, ADAC, said: "We have the extra assurance with this agreement that we will have full support at both our airports from a single, dedicated supplier. SITA is a proven global provider for airport operations and will ensure that all our critical systems, including check-in and baggage reconciliation, will be consistently available."
Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice President Middle East and Turkey, said: "SITA is hugely experienced in supporting airports for major world events, most recently our systems managed the massive surge in traffic at Beijing Capital International Airport for the Olympic Games.
"Our unique understanding will support ADAC not only for the Formula One event but going forward as the company expands its annual capacity to 40 million passengers with the development of the new Midfield Terminal Complex over the coming years."
With the CUSS kiosks, SITA will provide an end-to-end managed solution complementing other airport check-in services available at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is experiencing significant growth; passenger traffic was up 30.2% in 2008 to 9.02 million, from 6.9 million in 2007.
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About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure.
In September 2006, ADAC took over responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international Airports. In 2008, ADAC added Al Bateen private jet airport, formerly Al Bateen military airbase, and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports all serve different segments of the marketplace and help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.
Currently under way is the large scale AED 25 (USD6.8) billion re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed. A new ATC tower and Midfield Terminal Complex will complete the redevelopment within the next few years.
For more information please visit the ADAC Media Centre at www.adacmediacentre.comAbout SITA
SITA is the world's leading specialist in air transport communication and IT solutions. SITA delivers and manages business solutions for airline, airport, GDS, government and other customers over the world's most extensive network, which forms the communications backbone of the global air transport industry.
SITA's portfolio includes managed global communications, infrastructure and outsourcing services, as well as services for airline commercial management and passenger operations, flight operations, aircraft operations and air-to-ground communications, airport management and operations, baggage operations, transportation security and border management, cargo operations and more. With a customer service team of over 1,600 staff around the world, SITA invests significantly in achieving best-in-class customer service, providing integrated local and global support for both its communications and IT application services.
SITA has two main subsidiaries: OnAir, which is the leading provider of in-flight connectivity, and CHAMP Cargosystems, the world's only IT company dedicated solely to air cargo. SITA also operates two joint ventures providing services to the air transport community: Aviareto for aircraft asset management and CertiPath for secure electronic identity management.
SITA is one of the world's most international companies. Its global reach is based on local presence, with services for around 550 air transport industry members and 3,200 customers in over 200 countries and territories. In 2009, the company celebrates 60 years in business. Set up in 1949 with 11 member airlines, SITA today employs people of more than 140 nationalities, speaking over 70 different languages. SITA had consolidated revenues of over US$1.47 billion (€1.13 billion) in 2008.
For further information go to www.sita.aero
© Press Release 2009
