Airport Information Management Systems

The objective of an Airport Information Management Systems are to provide airport management and other users with real-time information originating from integrated systems at the airport using a shared secure data warehouse as the single source of data.

The Airport Management Systems are made up of the following systems:

SMART Semantic Message Processor (SMART/SMP)

The Semantic Message Processor is an automated standards-based high performance messaging system with an interpretation engine that is capable of collecting virtually any kind of airline host message from any available gateway and data source. The SMART/SMP automatically receives, decodes and validates the airline host messages and then extracts the information contained within. The SMART Semantic Message Processor is a powerful intelligent message processor that is designed to automate the interface between internal and external systems and based on interface requirements, the SMART/SMP then modifies, corrects, converts, re-codes and exports the airline host messages/data. Messages are stored in a database and can be searched and retrieved based on message type, origin or any other associated key such as carrier code, flight number, date and message address.

The Semantic Message Processor is fast, flexible, scalable and easy to configure and deploy in order to integrate all distributed airport applications. The SMART/SMP processes a series of standard messages commonly used at Airports such as movement messages (MVT); load messages (LDM/ALI); statistical load summary messages (SLS); passenger transfer messages (PTM); passenger information messages (PNL, ADL, PSM, CAL, PAL); Baggage processing messages (BSM, BTM, BOH, FWD) and flight schedule messages (SCR, SMA).

Messages can be imported, recorded, parsed or exported in standard XML, SQL, and other formats. Interfaces with gateways such as Java Message Service (JMS) interface, Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Post Office Protocol (POP3), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), AviNet gateway, SITATEX gateway, Airline DCS interface gateway, Baggage Handling System gateway and Air Traffic Control (ATC) gateway are supported within the SMART/SMP.

SMART Airport Operative Database (SMART/AODB)

The SMART Operative Data Base is a state-of-the-art secure, centralized and shared data warehousing system that consolidates all airport flight schedules and airport operational data in a single database. The SMART/AODB has the core database that automatically captures information from all of the other SMART systems running at an airport, processes and shares it between them and external systems. It is a reliable and powerful tool that allows the user to accurately collect, process, store, analyze and distribute airport operational data. All airport operational data is consolidated in a single database ensuring consistency and easily sharing of data.

One of the key roles of the SMART/AODB is to automatically update information from Airline Distribution Control Systems (DCS), Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Networks (AFTN), Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems, meteorological data providers and the other internal systems of the Airport in real-time. The decoded data is received from the Semantic Message Processor System (SMART SMPS) that interfaces with these external systems.

The SMART Airport Operative Database handles seasonal and daily flight schedules and records all flight, passenger and load information. Schedule information can also be entered manually by an airline according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) format in local time or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The flight schedule include data on airline, flight type, flight number, movement type, flight duration, frequency, arrival/departure times, routing, aircraft type, seating, etc. It also updates the database with any modifications and cancellations of flights. Once the seasonal flight schedule has been built, the Mayfly (list daily flight by calendar date) for the Airport can be extracted. The data is updated in real-time as flights are taking place and distributed continuously to the other SMART Systems that handles ramp management, departure control, display of flight information, etc.

The SMART/AODB also stores data on all physical Airport resources such as terminals, check-in desks, boarding gates, aprons/stands, conveyor belts, carousels, etc. The Statistical Data Management System (SMART/STAT) utilizes the data from the SMART/AODB to perform statistical analysis and the Airport Billing System (SMART/BILL) to determine the items and amounts to be invoiced.

SMART Airport Statistical Data Management System (SMART/STAT)

The SMART Airport Statistical Data Management System is an intelligent system that transforms raw flight and airport operational data into management information. SMART/STAT performs statistical analysis on flight and Airport operational data and makes data available to other SMART systems. The ability to manipulate and perform statistical analysis on historical data from any source is a powerful tool for Airport Management to:

  • Evaluate the current status of ground handling operations.
  • Optimize the deployment of existing Airport resources.
  • Determine future need for additional Airport resources.
  • Consolidate data for billing.
  • Make informed decisions on current and future operations and resource requirements.

Simple selections allow the user to run queries and also create useful customized reports on data within the SMART system and other Airport databases. SMART/STAT allows users to access the database via Standard Query Language (SQL). Microsoft .Net, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) and other.

The following flight data is available for statistical analysis:

  • Flight information - flight number, flight date and airline.
  • Complete flight routing - scheduled time of departure and arrival for all Airports, including multiple city/leg flights.
  • Flight qualification - flight type, traffic type, loading type and service type.
  • Aircraft information - aircraft type, aircraft registration number and aircraft configuration.
  • Passenger information - terminating/transfer/transit passengers, passengers per weight category, passengers per class and special requirements.
  • Baggage information – number and type bags, mishandling and irregularities.
  • Load information - mail, cargo, crew and passengers.
  • Times - scheduled times, estimated times, touch-down/take-off times, block on/off times, red times, zone-in times and boarding/last call/flight closed times
  • Resources allocated to the flight - check-in counters, boarding gate, baggage reclaim belt and parking stand.
  • Punctuality and regularity - flight delays and delay codes.

The SMART Airport Statistical Data Management System integrates fully with the Airport Operational Data Base System (SMART/AODB) and other SMART Systems and interfaces with other Airport databases. Data is immediately available for analysis as it is recorded in any database. The Airport Billing System (SMART/BILL) extracts data from SMART/STAT for accurate billing. Statistical data can also be exported to any other billing software operated at the Airport.

SMART Airport Billing System (SMART/BILL)

The SMART Airport Billing System is an intelligent system that allows airport management to accurately create ground handling invoices according to a set of billing rules and formulae per airline/client. SMART/BILL automatically gathers all data required for billing/invoicing and interfaces directly with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other airport systems. Invoices for the services rendered and fees charged can be created and delivered by a single click. The system is also suitable for airlines and ground handling agents.

The deploying of the SMART Airport Billing System will lead to:

  • Increased revenue due to accurate invoices.
  • Improved cash-flow – invoices available instantly.
  • Automated gathering of billing data and no additional data entry required.
  • Customized billing according to billing rules and formulas set up for each Airline/client.

Basic billing rules are set up for items such as parking time, parking bays, aircraft type, flight type, passenger type, number of passengers, Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW), mail/cargo, Airport resources, services, etc. Customized billing rules and fees can be created as a combination of two or more basic rules. Each charge can be limited to a specific traffic/flight/aircraft/loading/body type and be valid for a specific time period. Billing rules can be easily updated at any time in order to comply with legal regulations or new airport billing policies.

Customized invoice layouts can be created in SMART/BILL and invoicing is done electronically (Email) or hardcopy. Electronic invoicing speeds up the billing process and thereby improve cash flow. SMART/BILL creates an invoice database with all key information such as date created, confirmed/voided and printed/sent. This makes it easier to manage and retrieve invoices.

The SMART Airport Billing System integrates with the other SMART Systems to obtain the data for billing purposes and in particular the Statistical Data Management System (SMART/STAT) and Airport Operational Data Base System (SMART/ AODB).

SMART Airport Connectivity (SMART/CONNECT)

The SMART Airport Connectivity provides international airports with a comprehensive dedicated connectivity network/solution that enables the airport to integrate their applications with a standard messaging service. The airport connects to messaging services directly through private or public IP using broadband Internet service. The Airport Connector System encrypts the data to ensure complete privacy and provides reliable storage and forwarding of messages as required by the airport as well as mission and safety critical applications of the aviation industry.

The Airport Connector is self installable Java software application that easily integrates into existing applications. The airport is provided with a standard IATA airport address and the flat file format for sending and receiving IATA messages via a dedicated workstation. SEETEK S.A. will perform the installation of the application, configuration of the connecting devices and provide support to all airport users.

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