Vancouver International Airport Selects Cisco IP Communications

Vancouver International Airport Authority today announced its innovative technology strategy took a major step forward with the completion of a Cisco® Internet Protocol (IP) Communications systems throughout the airport.

The addition of voice capabilities to the airport's Cisco Intelligent Airport Solution is the latest in a series of network-enabled innovations to accommodate passenger travel needs, as well as drive operational efficiency and create new revenue opportunities for the airport.

Utilizing technology from Cisco Systems (www.cisco.com) and services from TELUS Business Solutions, the advanced network integrates voice, video, data and wireless communications into a single, airport-wide communications system. In addition to supporting 1,100 Cisco IP phones, 1,000 close-circuit cameras and more than 1,500 television screens, the Cisco Intelligent Airport Solution is powering a series of innovative services - from common-use terminal equipment and self-service check-in kiosks, to wireless baggage reconciliation and wireless access for business travelers.

"In 2005, more than 16 million passengers will travel through Vancouver International Airport and every one of them will benefit in some way from the IP-based technology we are deploying," explains Kevin Molloy, chief information office and vice-president of Simplified Passenger Travel at the Vancouver International Airport Authority.

IP-based innovation is already having a profound impact at the airport. Initial evidence reveals that self-service kiosks are driving capacity by 250 - 300 per cent. For example, 85 per cent of Air Canada's domestic passengers check-in using self-service kiosks.

According to Gilles St. Hilaire, vice-president of Western Canada at Cisco Systems Canada, Vancouver International Airport is a global leader in using IP-based services to transform its operations.

"In 2000 TELUS embarked on a strategy to 'unleash the power of the Internet' to deliver the best solutions to Canadians at work, at home and on the move," says Joe Natale, president of TELUS Business Solutions.

"We have built a network that can handle future growth and incorporate innovative, new applications as they become available. By taking advantage of network-based services to drive efficiency and capacity to new levels, we will be able to avoid building costly new facilities for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games," explains Molloy.