News

JFK air terminal goes IP, studies kiosks

September 14, 2003

NEW YORK -- The JFK International Air Terminal LLC has selected SITA to upgrade its Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE ) system at terminal 4 to the vendor's Java-based, Internet protocol-enabled version.

According to a news release, the combination of increased passenger throughput, new carriers using the terminal, and the need to refresh technology for future passenger processing applications are main drivers for the upgrade. The contract is valued at $5 million.

"Enhancements focus on automated check-in, self-service kiosks, document scanning and other services that will improve and expedite the passenger process," said Alain Maca, president of JFK IAT, the management company that operates terminal 4.

Terminal 4 handles more than 4 million passengers a year and is served by more than 40 airlines. This project will offer them a full upgrade of the existing system, including replacement of all shared workstations and peripheral devices, and an upgrade of core room equipment.

This latest version of SITA CUTE offers end-to-end IP connectivity from host to the airport desktop, providing airlines with access to their own systems on an industry open platform, the release said. Each CUTE workstation offers a pre-integrated browser and is connected over IP to support individual airline needs.