UFIS Airport Solutions (UFIS-AS) is upgrading its UFIS Resource Management System (RMS) at Singapore’s Changi Airport by implementing the passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) module and additional enhancements to the integrated iTrek wireless application. The UFIS solutions support Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) in managing the complex tasks of its ground handling operations and in-flight catering services.
The delivery of the PRM application is in response to SATS’ initiative to continuously improve its passenger service quality. The module is to cater for SATS’ Special Services within the airport’s three terminals. With the new module, SATS can track all requests and staff assignments for the passengers needing special assistance. The UFIS PRM application, a recent addition to UFIS portfolio, is already in use at airports in Rome, Athens and Hannover.
The enhancements to the iTrek wireless application include showing on the handheld devices a list of equipment scheduled to be used, thus enabling SATS to extend its apron service delivery framework. Other enhancements include the introduction of the iTrek Apron Service Report (ASR) on the handheld devices, thereby eliminating the need to travel back to the SATS Operation Control Centre to complete the report. Other enhancements improve the communication and working relationship between the apron and baggage sections. For example, using the handheld devices, apron personnel can record that a ULD has been dispatched. Baggage receives the update and can then confirm the receipt of the ULD.
The initial UFIS project with SATS began in 2003. Since then UFIS-AS and SATS have been working together to bring additional enhancements to the system. The iTrek application was introduced in 2007. It focuses on using WAP wireless mobile phones which are provided by partner iDen/DNS.
Holger Mattig, managing director of UFIS Airport Solutions Pte Ltd., said: “Singapore Changi Airport is one of our most important customers in the Asia-Pacific region. We are glad that we can provide full integration of the iTrek wireless application with UFIS RMS with SATS being the first customer to take advantage of this service. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with them.”
The UFIS package installed in Singapore includes an airport operational database (AODB), basic data processing systems, a flight information processing system (FIPS), a resource management system (RMS), as well as hub, status and ULD management systems. A total of 11 interfaces to external systems, related to personnel and flight data (for example, SAP and KRISCOM), are also a part of the system. As integration medium for the interfaces UFIS-AS uses IBM’s Websphere MQ.
Anders Sagadin, UFIS-AS’s president and CEO, said: “I am pleased that the long-term cooperation with SATS has resulted in continuing to provide the best services to Singapore Changi Airport. We look forward to continuing to work with them to be a leading airport by providing flexible solutions.”