CLUB Sweden and CLUB Norway Will Benefit From Real Time-Driven SavingsGlasgow-based IT specialist Real Time has predicted that a pioneering new check-in system at Scandinavian airports across Sweden and Norway will cut airlines’ costs by up to half. Real Time has been contracted by SAS airlines and the Norwegian airport operator Avinor to oversee the management of the replacement common-use check-in system, which will be one of the most advanced in the world and represents a multi-million Euro investment. Following a thorough tendering process, SITA has been appointed to provide the technological solution and meet the specific needs of the airlines and ground handlers who form the ‘CUTE CLUBs’ in the Nordic region. Aside from SITA’s leading edge barcode enabled technology at check-in and at boarding gates, the service will be adaptable to the introduction of RFID and will incorporate novel approaches to the pricing of the contract which will give all parties the flexibility to vary the cost and scope of the service over time as the nature of airport passenger technology and processes changes. Real Time now predicts a 50% reduction in common use check-in costs for airlines and ground handlers once the system is operational from January 2010. The scope of this contract and implementation covers nine airports in Sweden and Norway: CLUB Sweden covers:
CLUB Norway covers:
With Real Time’s help it has been possible for the CLUBs to achieve maximum value without impacting the quality of service and at a considerable discount from their previous contract, which will save them several million Euro during the three-year contract duration. Real Time is proud to have worked closely with experts from SAS, Avinor, Norwegian, Menzies and LFV, with the CUTE CLUBs and with the various common use check-in vendors bidding for the contract. Susanne Frick, CLUB Sweden Chair, said: “The tender phase of the CUTE project for Sweden and Norway was managed by Real Time Engineering in a very professional and efficient way. “They have lived up to all our expectations and helped us work with SITA to achieve significant cost reductions, flexibility in pricing when volumes change and improvements in governance. “We now look forward to finalising the contracts with SITA and we feel confident that Real Time will continue to assist us in achieving the best arrangements for our needs.” Terje Orskaug, Avinor Manager and Norway CUTE CLUB representative, said: “Real Time Engineering has delivered strong project management and professional expertise in this highly complex process of procuring CUTE services for seven Norwegian and two Swedish airports. “The new contracts will have extensive cost reduction and great improvements in flexibility and governance, compared to the current situation. We are confident that this agreement provides a good baseline to meet the turbulent times ahead of us, as well as flexibility to develop new and innovative changes to passenger processes.” Real Time is responsible for managing the bid process, negotiating the contracts with the successful supplier SITA, setting service level agreements and overseeing the introduction of the system at the airports. Miles Butterworth, Real Time’s programme manager, said: “We believe that we have identified the most appropriate solution to suit our customers’ requirements, and would like to congratulate SITA and thank them for their efforts in providing a solution which features innovative approaches to governance and contract flexibility to give the most appropriate service at the best value. “We are looking forward to implementing the new system based on our recommendations. The CLUBs, through the Project Working Group, have worked hard to ensure that they chose the right system and service for their needs, and I’m sure it will be a success for them.” Real Time’s appointment by SAS and Avinor follows recent successful management of a similar multi-million pound programmes to replace the baggage reconciliation systems and common use check-in systems at several major airports in the UK, yielding average savings of around 30% per annum. |
