Cloud-based technology to enhance passenger experience at YVR

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has become the latest major gateway to turn to cloud-based technology to enhance the passenger journey. 

Its new Amadeus Flow cloud solution supports innovations such as biometrics, contactless services and off-airport check-in and bag drop.

In a phased migration, YVR has upgraded its connectivity using multiple high-speed network connections to a fully cloud-based service. Amadeus Flow connects over 650 check-in and gate desks to 30+ airline partners.

Amadeus notes that transitioning to the cloud reduces YVR’s reliance on rigid fixed service points for passengers, opening the door to a wide range of innovations.

Indeed, the company insists that passengers will benefit from increased convenience and frictionless experiences, with Vancouver’s airline partners also exploring secure biometric check-in and boarding functions.

In the future, this biometric capability will provide passengers the option for their face to become their boarding pass and passport, as they move effortlessly through the terminal. 

Vancouver Airport Authority’s vice president for innovation and chief information officer, Lynette DuJohn, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent hit to the aviation industry accelerated our desire for digital transformation.

“Amadeus is helping us make that transition by connecting us with airlines more effectively, so we’re ready to harness new innovations for the benefit of passengers.

“The flexibility of airport solutions in the cloud allows for a phased approach where airlines and check-in desks can migrate to Amadeus in a gradual and low risk manner, ensuring we’re ready to welcome increasing numbers of passengers.”

Moving to the cloud will also help Vancouver International Airport to further improve its already impressive sustainability credentials because it will effectively lead to the retirement of its own mini in-terminal data centre. 

Existing workstations at the airport’s 600+ positions will be replaced with ‘thin clients’ providing access to the cloud. These thin client workstations use 89% less energy and fail every 30 years on average, compared to every four years for traditional workstations.