Open for business

The latest news from ACI’s World Business Partners.

Unisys wins Australian baggage reconciliation contract

An international airline consortium operating to and from Australia has agreed to a six-year engagement with Unisys to provide an advanced Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS) at seven international airports at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Acting on behalf of the airlines, the Board of Airline Representatives Australia (BARA) notes that the Unisys Baggage Reconciliation System will allow airlines to track bags throughout their journey, in line with IATA’s Resolution 753 on baggage tracking.

It is believed that such knowledge will help reduce the mishandling of baggage from BARA members, which prior to the COVID-19 outbreak were processing around 14 million bags annually on flights departing Australia.

Andrew Whelan, vice president of client management for Unisys Asia Pacific, said: “Efficient, safe, and secure processes and systems are key to a positive experience for travellers to and from Australia.

“The COVID-19 situation helped us to take a step back and further invest in optimising our digital offerings for airlines and ground handlers to enhance the baggage reconciliation and tracking process.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with BARA to provide an affordable solution that combines business efficiencies, secured systems, industry compliance and an improved passenger experience.”

New Heathrow contract for Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is to supply its QPS201 Quick Personnel Security (QPS) scanners to Heathrow Airport as the gateway looks to reduce wait times for passengers and enhance its security checkpoints.

R&S QPS201 scanners will be rolled out across the airport, ensuring that all passengers, staff and contractors accessing airside locations are scanned on entry. The installation enables the airport to achieve its vision of a secure and safe environment whilst at the same time providing a positive passenger experience by making their journey through the airport as fast and efficient as possible.

“Heathrow Airport is the latest leading international airport to adopt the R&S QPS201, reinforcing our position as the go-to solution for airports around the world,” said Frank Mackel, the company’s vice president sales for Europe.

“This scanner addresses the three key airport requirements: high accuracy of threat detection, low frequency of false alarms to minimise time consuming manual pat-downs, and fast throughput to reduce passenger wait times even at busy periods.”