Baku, August 30 (AZERTAC). Airport World magazine of Airports Council International has published an article highlighting state-of-the-art systems installed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. “Heydar Aliyev International Airport’s new Terminal 1 has had IT infrastructure, passenger processing platform and airport operations systems installed by air transport technology specialist SITA.

The new technology will transform operations, both for the airport and Azerbaijan Airlines at the gateway in Baku, Azerbaijan, and enhance the passenger experience with new self-service options and enable the gateway to handle double its current capacity,” the magazine says.

The article features remarks by Azerbaijan Airlines president Jahangir Asgarov who says: “In recent years, Azerbaijan has made major investments to develop the country’s air transport industry with support from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

“We need modern, integrated solutions to help us process passengers more quickly, improve our operational efficiency and help facilitate growth. The new SITA systems incorporate the industry’s most advanced technology and align with all IATA recommendations, as well as the latest industry trends. We also appreciate the convenience of dealing with a single supplier, SITA, for all our IT and communications needs,” the magazine quotes Mr. Asgarov as saying.

The magazine says: “SITA is providing consultancy services in IT infrastructure and passenger processing, along with a full range of industry-leading solutions, including the AirportConnect Open passenger processing platform with more than 70 common-use workstations and 12 common-use self-service kiosks for check-in.”

“With the new platform, Azerbaijan Airlines, and all other airlines using the gateway, will be able to access their respective IT applications in real-time on shared equipment.

They will also be able to use any airport desk, gate or self-service kiosk for passenger check-in and boarding for maximum flexibility and convenience.”

The article says: “SITA’s BagManager baggage management system will improve baggage processing efficiency, reduce mishandled bags, simplify baggage operations and help to ensure on-time departures.

It has also provided 145 new digital display screens and an advanced audio system throughout the airport terminal to keep passengers up-to-date on flight information.”

“The IT firm’s AirportResource Manager helps coordinate real-time management of airport equipment, making sure resources are available when needed.

SITA will support all new solutions for five years, and, Dave Bakker, SITA president Europe, comments: “This project is unique in the region because we have provided both consultative services and end-to-end solutions, working in close collaboration with the airport, airline and other airport stakeholders.”

“The new terminal at Heydar Aliyev International Airport can process around 2,000 passengers per hour, and was opened by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on April 23, 2014,” says the magazine.