Amadeus launches cloud-based, common-use platform to save airports costs and space

MADRID, Spain, 4 April 2014. Amadeus has launched Amadeus Airport Common Use Service (ACUS), a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) airport platform capable of carrying out all passenger processing functions and enabling airlines and ground handlers to share the airport’s physical space and IT resources without a hosting and development burden, says a company spokesperson.

The majority of the world’s airports currently run a traditional and expensive common use model, including a long-term supplier and on-site IT infrastructure. The adoption of Amadeus ACUS will allow airports to eliminate costly on-site systems, lowering operational expenses and minimizing environmental impact. They will also improve their agility and flexibility to respond to unforeseen situations, such as weather disruptions and traffic peaks. Airlines can reduce costs with centralized connectivity to airports and simplified passenger processing. As a consequence of these streamlined operations, passengers will benefit from a quick and fluid airport experience.

Key features of Amadeus ACUS include:

Application virtualization technology - reduces airports’ need for on-site equipment, saving costs and space

Delivered via SaaS model, centrally hosted in a state-of-the-art data center – allows scalability and resilience for any size airport, airline and ground handler.

Based on secure network connectivity and 4G communications – fast and easy to deploy and maintain, able to run operations both on and off the airport

Connection to all airline Departure Control System and airport applications – cost effective and centralized connectivity for airlines expanding their network to new airports whilst lowering network costs

Complete end-to-end solution delivery – from software to end-user hardware with 24-7 on-site support

Compatible with industry standards (CUPPS1 and PCI2) – providing a secure and reliable solution

“The airport industry has advanced tremendously from the days of dedicated airline check-in desks towards a much more flexible and shared environment. It is now ready to embrace more change in order to maximize commercial and operational performance, and it can derive huge efficiencies from moving towards a common use service,” says John Jarrell, head of Airport IT at Amadeus. “Airlines have already chosen cloud technology to run many critical applications that are centrally hosted, and I believe the airport industry will follow this trend with Amadeus ACUS. Our platform will enable the airport ecosystem to use its resources much more intelligently, ultimately improving the passenger experience and taking the next step towards becoming the airport of the future.”