Tucson Airport: Unifying Airport Operations with Airport CX

In the fall of 2022, Tucson International Airport implemented Airport CX solution to address several critical requirements. The primary requirements included an integrated Electronic Video Information Display System (EVIDS) and an efficient paging solution. The airport sought a modern web-based application to bring these systems together.

Prior to Simpleway's Airport CX implementation, the airport's EVIDS and paging systems operated separately. The lack of integration meant that there was no automated paging and airline agents had to make announcements manually. This process was time-consuming and often inefficient, leaving less time for more important tasks.

Integration and Implementation

Simpleway collaborated with the airport to assess best practices and industry standards for implementing new EVIDS and paging system solutions. As a result, we delivered a Airport CX solution that effortlessly integrated the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) and Public Address System (PA). This unified approach enabled the airport to manage both systems efficiently through a single platform, reducing costs and time associated with procurement, implementation, training, and maintenance.

Flight Information Display System

Based on Tucson Airport's specific needs to automate repetitive tasks, Simpleway developed automated flight information display templates aligned with the airport's branding, now deployed across 91 screens throughout the airport.

Gate displays

Tucson Airport utilizes 17 gate displays that automatically show departing flight information for the assigned gate two hours before the estimated departure time, provided the gate is not currently occupied by another flight.

Departures/Arrivals displays

Flight lists generally follow a standard format across most airports. However, for Tucson Airport, we were excited to collaborate on a more modern design. The airport values the flexibility to display promotional content during periods of lower flight activity, thereby enhancing screen utilization. This feature not only optimizes display screen usage but also offers a platform for delivering essential airport messages or generating revenue through advertising.

Baggage claim area

Navigating airports can be challenging, which highlights the need for effective wayfinding displays.  At Tucson Airport, we prioritize passenger convenience by providing clear information on baggage claim locations and directions, with individual belt displays at each baggage area. These displays are designed to be both functional and visually aligned with the airport's unique style.

Voice Announcements Management System

Tucson Airport uses text-to-speech technology for its announcements, allowing for faster delivery of new information compared to traditional prerecorded messages. New TTS technology with linguistic supervision can produce fluent and natural-sounding announcements and provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for creating and updating announcement libraries. This approach also helps the airport maintain consistent branding, as the voice remains the same for all announcements. Announcements are provided in both English and Spanish, along with visual paging to support accessibility for all passengers.

In addition to text announcements, Tucson airport utilizes its own pre-recorded messages in the Airport CX paging library.

Simple User Interfaces for specific purposes

To further streamline operations, Tucson Airport utilizes Simpleway’s role-based user interfaces, specifically designed for different use cases to minimize complex manual inputs and enhance user efficiency.

Gate User Interface (GateUI)

Designed for boarding processes, GateUI provides operators with information specific to their assigned gate, allowing them to play announcements with customized content and real-time updates for departure flights. It offers a collection of pre-set announcements, logically organized to correspond with the stages of the boarding process. Depending on the current stage, the gate operator can select the appropriate category, choose the relevant announcement, and press play. These announcements are created using the Airport CX text-to-speech (TTS) editor and include airline-specific messaging that reflects unique requirements and branding.

Baggage User Interface (BaggageUI)

Developed for baggage handling operations, it enables users to view all arriving flights, assign them to specific belts, and play tailored TTS announcements with up-to-date information. These announcements notify passengers where to collect their baggage for the selected flight.

Tugman User Interface (TugmanUI)

Designed to streamline operations for baggage handlers, TugmanUI allows for quick and easy assignment of belt numbers to flights during the unloading process, improving efficiency and reducing delays.

Additional features

A key value of Airport CX is its ongoing expansion of capabilities. Through continuous enhancements over the years, we've introduced features like Scenarios and Proof of Play, which boost operational efficiency and management. Tucson Airport benefited from these updates automatically, without needing to request them specifically.

Scenarios

One of the most valuable additions to Tucson Airport is the Scenarios feature, which enhances proactive operational management through automated visual and audio communication. The Scenarios feature allows Tucson Airport to effectively prepare for and manage a variety of situations, ensuring a quick and organized response through announcements and display content regardless of the circumstances.

Proof of Play

With Proof of Play, Tucson can now track media playback across all displays, gathering valuable insights into the performance of their advertising content using comprehensive overview of playback times, durations, and total impressions.

An expert with over 20 years of experience at Tucson Airport shares insights on the Airport CX platform. Discover how its advanced features have streamlined operations and significantly improved efficiency in this exclusive review.

Ongoing collaboration

Our relationship does not stop there; we engage in ongoing discussions with Tucson Airport to continuously explore opportunities for improving their operations and identifying new areas that could benefit from our Airport CX solution. Simpleway’s support services provide round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring the airport's systems are safeguarded 24/7.

Thank you for reading this article and we hope you learned something new about Airport CX and how it can benefit your airport.

Join us in creating more technologically advanced airports for all! Explore more at airport.cx and contact us to embark on your journey to aviation excellence.