News

Vancouver airport deploys new '`CUSS' kiosks

October 9, 2002

RICHMOND, Canada -- Vancouver International Airport is the first to unveil a self-service check-in kiosk from IBM and ARINC based on a new industry software standard.

CUSS, or common use self-service, gives passengers access to different airlines' self-service check-in applications from a single kiosk, according to an IBM news release.

The kiosk will speed up the check-in process and be more cost effective for airlines, according to IBM. The Vancouver airport began to roll out 80 of the new kiosks Oct. 10.

Air Canada's Express Check-in is the launch customer for the CUSS system. The airport expects several other airlines to add their check-in systems to the kiosks during the next few years. Later this year, the airport will install the new kiosks in its parking areas and at curbside valet parking locations.

The potential for airlines to save money by sharing common kiosks is expected to drive the adoption of the CUSS standard. The standard was ratified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IBM, ARINC and Air Canada have worked with IATA during CUSS technical development activities since 1998, according to the release.

"For airports, the benefits are clear," said Kevin Molloy, vice president, information technology for Vancouver's Airport Authority. "The kiosks allow us to increase our passenger processing capacity without having to add significant terminal space while also giving our customers an additional check-in choice."

Air Canada was the first to introduce self-service check-in kiosks in Canada. The airline has 153 Express Check-in kiosks -- jointly developed with IBM -- at eight Canadian airports.

The CUSS kiosks were built by IBM, which provided technology, including remote management tools, integrated LCD signage, common launch application and software development. ARINC is responsible for project management, on-site integration and testing, and network connectivity.