Wearable tech supports faster, more efficient airport operations - Quebec Airport and SITA introduce world's first airport workforce use of Apple Watch

QUÉBEC CITY, June 17, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Air transport IT specialist, SITA, today unveiled the world's first use of the Apple Watch for an airport workforce. This is another in a series of world "firsts" for SITA Lab, SITA's research and development team, which continues to pioneer new technology for the air transport community. The airport of Québec will use the watches to connect to the SITA Airport Management solution, which is already in use at the airport, to push regular operational alerts to duty managers and ensure operations run smoothly.

Marc-André Bédard, Vice President, Information Technology, Aéroport de Québec, said: "We are always looking for new technology to help enhance our operations, and ultimately better serve our passengers. Wearable tech is one area of interest to us and with the Apple Watch and SITA's Airport Management solution our duty managers will receive important notifications at just the right time to take action as needed.

"For example, they may get an alert to say that two planes are arriving simultaneously and have been assigned to the same gate or that there is a delay at a certain gate. Previously, they would have checked their tablets regularly for updates. With the watch, a vibration alerts them to an update so they receive vital information just by glancing at their wrist. They can then take immediate action."

The SITA Lab team built the application for the airport and conducted all the systems integration work to link the Apple Watch to the SITA Airport Management solution.  SITA's solution, which is in use at 150 airports in 48 countries, streamlines airport operations by enabling the airport to control all its operations from a single central control center and adapt to an ever-changing environment. This includes accessing all the information necessary to make decisions and manage resources in real time. It delivers a new level of business intelligence that allows airports to balance operational efficiency with business results.

Jim Peters, Chief Technology Officer, SITA, said: "This is another example of how SITA is leading the way in exploring new technology for the air transport community.  Using the Apple Watch at Quebec Airport harnesses all the power of SITA's Airport Management solution to deliver information and updates to staff in a faster, more agile way. Of course, SITA's boarding pass API already works with the watch, and the team wanted to trial different ways to harness the benefits of Apple's new technology."

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport served more than 1.5 million passengers in 2014, up 6.7% from 2013. The airport hosts 10 carriers providing multiple connections to various destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, with daily service to major hubs in northeastern North America.

About SITA
SITA is the world's leading specialist in air transport communications and IT solutions. Owned by the industry, SITA delivers solutions to airlines, airports, GDSs and governments over the world's most extensive communications network. Its portfolio covers every aspect of the industry from managed global communications, to passenger, baggage, flight and aircraft operations, border management and air-to-ground communications. With a presence at more than 400 airports around the world, SITA provides a unique service to its 450 air transport industry members and 2,800 customers in more than 200 countries. In 2013, SITA had consolidated revenues of US$1.63 billion. For further information please go to www.sita.aero.

About Aéroport de Québec inc. (AQi)
Since November 1, 2000, Aéroport de Québec inc. has been responsible for the management, operation, maintenance, and development of the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Approximately a dozen carriers offer multiple connections to various destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, with daily service to major hubs in northeastern North America.

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http://www.aeroportdequebec.com/en/flights/destinations-from-quebec-city/

SOURCE Aéroport de Québec

Mathieu Claise, Director, Communication and Public Relations, Aéroport de Québec inc., Phone: [phone], extension 2625