News

SITA, Siemens Business Services enable check-in via mobile phone

December 2, 2004

GENEVA and LONDON - Check-in lines could be a thing of the past as SITA Information Networking Computing (SITA INC), has partnered with Siemens Business Services to provide advanced mobile passenger services. The first result of this partnership will be the launch of a new mobile phone check-in service system for airline passengers, according to a news release.

SITA Mobile Check-in will not only cut lines at airports and improve the passenger experience, it will also help to drive down costs. The airline has minimal upfront investment and only pays when the passenger uses the service. This "per passenger charge" means that airlines' costs are controllable and predictable, moving directly in line with the passenger traffic.

Developed by the partners, SITA and Siemens Business Services, the service uses the very latest GPRS, bar code and Java technologies. "Our partnership with SITA has allowed us to harness these new, customer-friendly and efficient technologies which are being used in other sectors and adapt them for the airline industry," commented Peter Marburger, head of transportation and logistics, Siemens Business Services.

The joint expertise of these companies has resulted in a solution that will provide airline passengers with an easy to use graphical interface, incorporating seat maps and airline branding. It is the only mobile check-in service that provides live and interactive seat maps letting passengers select the best available seat. Take up of this service by passengers is expected to be high as they will be able complete their own check-in with just a few presses on their mobile phone.

Announcing the future service at IATA's Simplifying the Business Conference in Geneva, Francesco Violante, managing director, SITA INC, commented, "Controlling costs and increasing choice for passengers are two of the key demands made of the air transportation industry today and SITA Mobile Check-in addresses each of them. Additionally, it will be a solution that is in line with existing industry directions as it uses bar codes for boarding pass information."