HONG KONG, April 27, 2006 - Cisco Systems today announced that the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) has deployed a Cisco Unified Wireless Network Solution to replace its existing installation, creating one of the world's largest airport WLANs (wireless local area network) in terms of coverage and number of access points. The WLAN helps enable the AA to achieve highly efficient flow management by ensuring timely information access and exchange, and automating cargo and passenger flow at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the world's busiest international cargo and fifth busiest international passenger airport.
Highly robust and equipped with industry-leading security features, the Cisco WLAN solution covers all indoor areas including the passenger terminal and the baggage sortation hall, as well as all aircraft parking bays on the apron at the award-winning HKIA. It enables convenient, reliable and highly secure 'last mile' connections for all user groups. The coverage will be extended to the whole cargo apron within 2006. Cargo operators will then be able to access their systems not only in the cargo terminal but also on the outdoor apron. As a result, they can optimize their resources deployment and improve their operating efficiency using mobile applications and devices of their own choice.
The WLAN has already helped the AA to increase staff productivity by allowing employees to access necessary information anytime, anywhere in the Airport. The AA's unified, airport-wide WLAN platform also provides business partners, including airlines, handling agents, retailers and aircraft maintenance engineers, with wireless enabled services to increase their operational efficiency. Multiple service providers will also offer wireless Internet access on this platform, giving users a broad selection of services.
"Airport management is about flow management of passengers, cargo, capital and information. Over 100,000 passengers pass through HKIA in some 750 aircraft movements every day and the demand is ever-increasing. The smooth flow of passengers and cargo depends on seamless coordination of a series of tasks and activities carried out by different user groups," said Joseph Lai, Chief Information Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong.
"A reliable, high-performance wireless network platform is a critical part of the technology for managing the flow of information in the work process," added Mr. Lai. "Cisco's wireless LAN solution will not only help us to enhance our services for all users in this digital age, but also to maintain our leading status in deploying the most cutting-edge technology among airports worldwide."
In 2004, the AA established and has since continued to extend its industry-standard WLAN platform. The AA WLAN Infrastructure now comprises over 200 Cisco 1000 Series Lightweight Access Points and eight Cisco 4100 Series Wireless LAN Controllers. By the end of this year, there will be 300 Cisco Access Points and 12 Cisco Controllers in operation.
The Cisco 1000 Series Lightweight Access Point is an 802.11 a/b/g dual-band, zero-touch configuration and management access point that delivers highly secure, cost-effective wireless access with advanced WLAN services for enterprise deployment. The Cisco access point provides industry-leading RF (radio frequency) capabilities with many deployment options to maximize wireless LAN performance, security, reliability and scalability. This device meets and exceeds the performance requirements of the most demanding enterprise environments. It supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and 802.11i/WPA2 for enterprise-class interoperable WLAN security.
The Cisco 4100 Series Wireless LAN Controllers are responsible for system-wide wireless LAN functions, such as security policies, intrusion prevention, RF management, quality of service (QoS) and mobility. They work in conjunction with Cisco 1000 Series Lightweight Access Points and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to support business-critical wireless applications. From voice and data services to location tracking, Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers provide the control, scalability, security and reliability that network managers need in order to build highly secure, enterprise-scale wireless networks - from branch offices to main campuses.
"At Cisco, we are excited about this opportunity to work with the AA in deploying one of the world's largest airport WLANs at the HKIA, Asia's SuperHub and one of the leading airports in the world. This large-scale project is not just about providing a wireless LAN solution, but also underscores our commitment to participate in the efficiency enhancement projects of different organizations and increase customer satisfaction," remarked Fredy Cheung, managing director of South China for Cisco Systems.
The Cisco WLAN has already brought enormous enhancements to customer service at the HKIA. These include the provision of the highly efficient on-demand mobile check-in service, swift and highly secure baggage tracking and reconciliation, and punctual aircraft turnaround on the apron.
Highly Efficient Transfer
The HKIA is one of the few airports taking advantage of a robust WLAN infrastructure to expedite passenger acceptance and handling. On-demand mobile check-in is conducted immediately when passengers arrive at the airport. It particularly increases the efficiency during peak hours and for tight-connection transfer passengers. The WLAN also helps to cut queuing time for inbound passengers from some PRD (Pearl River Delta) ports in China. During peak hours, passengers arriving by high-speed cross-boundary ferries at the HKIA's SkyPier from these PRD locations can be processed by Wireless Check-in and proceed to the passenger terminal by bonded buses for their flights, without having to go through local immigration and customs formalities.
Swift and Highly Secure Baggage Tracking & Reconciliation
Using barcode and RFID technology, wireless dual-mode scanners track and reconcile each transfer and departure bag in the baggage sortation hall and by the aircraft side on the apron. This helps ensure the highest standards of security and delivers unparalleled customer service.
Punctual Aircraft Turnaround on the Apron
With wireless handheld or in-vehicle computers, staff from airlines and other service providers have timely access to critical information including schedule changes, parking bay assignments, turnaround activity progress and aircraft maintenance records. This helps to ensure punctual turnaround on the apron and thus a higher level of passenger service.
By the third quarter of 2006, the AA will also extend the WLAN to the second passenger terminal and the new AA Headquarters Building, increasing the number of Access Points to 300 and Controllers to 12. This will allow more users to enjoy the benefits brought by Cisco's cutting-edge wireless technologies.
"With the reliable, robust and highly secure Cisco Wireless Network Solution in place, the AA will not only be able to extend mobility and flexibility to employees, airlines, business partners and passengers to meet their diverse needs, but it also can expect to fly even higher by providing more innovative applications to ensure top quality services," said Mr. Cheung.
About Airport Authority Hong Kong
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) is a statutory body wholly owned by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). AA was established in 1995 to manage HKIA, with an emphasis on enhancing Hong Kong's leading status as an international and regional aviation hub and the gateway of China.
