Airports sign new IT deal

28/05/2009

A new contract will see four of the UK's airports provided with next-generation information technology (IT) networks in a bid to improve services.

Bournemouth, East Midlands, Humberside and Manchester airports have signed a three-year deal with technology firm Cable & Wireless that will see new applications control check-in details, baggage handling, travel notice boards and control tower operations.

Martin Smith, director of technology and innovation for the airport group, stated that the initiative would bring the travel hubs into the 21st century.

"It's important that we include a communication network that delivers what we need now in terms of reliability and operational effectiveness, but also has the capacity to grow and evolve with the group as it develops and expands," he commented.

Meanwhile, some 20,000 football fans passed through Manchester Airport yesterday (May 27th) on their way to the Champion's League final in Rome.