SITA’s technology has helped Luton Airport in the UK reduce the time and cost required to manage and plan routine operations such as aircraft bus schedules and weekly aircraft stand planning.
Automating the seven-day aircraft stand capacity planning, for example, has reduced the time required for this task by 80%. This is achieved by automating the process, taking in numerous data variables such as aircraft arrival and departure time, available gates and aircraft type. Similarly, enabling bus drivers to input time records directly into the airport management system using an iPad – rather than relying on radio communications and spreadsheets – has reduced the time needed to record these bus movements by 90%.
Kamal Patel, Head of IT of LLA, said: "These small but significant improvements mean that our planning is more efficient and proactive, we can deploy our people where we need them most and reduce the overall cost of our operations. This in turn has a positive impact for the passenger, through a smoother passenger experience."
Sergio Colella, SITA President for Europe, said: "Over the past two years we have seen airports and airlines increasingly focus on digitizing their operations and it is paying dividends. As we were able to do with LLA, by digitalizing key processes across the airport, we are able to simplify key tasks, better allocate resources and make more informed decisions across all stakeholders – airlines, ground handlers and government agencies."
Meanwhile, the SITA Board has announced the appointment of David Lavorel as the company’s new CEO.
Over the past 20 years at SITA, Lavorel has served in a range of senior roles, most recently as CEO of SITA AT AIRPORTS AND BORDERS. He also served as CEO of SITA FOR AIRCRAFT, where he pursued a strategy to extract the full potential of the connected aircraft for SITA's airline customers. As Senior VP Corporate Development and Head of the CEO office, Lavorel’s responsibilities included executing the company's growth and development plans.
Dr Omar Jefri, SITA Board Chair, said: “The air transport industry has been through an incredibly turbulent period. As we look to recovery, digitalization of the industry is a key focus. David’s experience and knowledge of both the industry and SITA will be instrumental in cementing SITA’s position as a trusted partner, working with our shareholders to shape the future direction of the organization.”
Adib Charif, SITA Council President, said: “David brings a deep conviction and commitment to delivering SITA’s vision as a vital industry partner. The SITA Council looks forward to working closely with him.”
Lavorel replaces former CEO Barbara Dalibard who has left SITA after five years at the helm.