Brazil's GRU Airport Teams with IBM to Transform Operations and Services

Project to improve efficiency of airport operations and traveler experience

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Nov 07, 2013, 04:00 ET

GUARULHOS, Brazil, Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), the Sao Paulo International Airport, announced it is working with IBM (NYSE: IBM) to standardize and integrate the multiple technology systems used by the airport. This will aid collaboration between GRU airport operations and its multiple stakeholders, resulting in improved efficiency, speed and security at Latin America's busiest airport.

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The redesign of the airport's technology infrastructure being developed and implemented by IBM will gradually replace existing systems with a modern flexible system that seamlessly integrates applications and services. This will create a central platform for GRU's data, helping the airport more freely share information between departments, agencies and regulators. The goal is to meet the airport's demands for a digital infrastructure that supports its growing operations, as well as the needs of airlines, retailers, financial management and business flow at the airport.

"Much like a city, an airport has a complex set of physical and digital systems – airlines, baggage handling, facilities, operations, and retailers – that need to be interconnected to deliver a better travel experience," said Renato Vianna, Associate Partner, IBM Global Business Services.

The first phase of the technology and services project is taking place now and includes installation and configuration of the systems. Next, IBM and GRU will begin integrating the data across departments and agencies. The system is expected to be fully operational by May 2014 when Terminal 3 opens, increasing the airport's capacity by approximately 12 million passengers.

For GRU Airport IT director, Luiz Ritzmann, the project will provide a service with more agility and quality for users of the airport. "Another advantage is the system's ability to adjust to growing demands. The airport is acquiring a new check-in system, cameras to improve security, baggage systems and other services that need a more flexible and efficient infrastructure."

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About Concessionaria do Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos S.A.

On February 6th 2012, the union of Invepar (Investments and Participation on Infrastructure S.A.) and ACSA (Airports Company South Africa) was announced as the concessionaire for Guarulhos International Airport, the biggest in the country, with 32.8 million daily passengers (2012). The Guarulhos International Airport dealership consists of Grupar (Grupo Invepar e ACSA, 51 percent) and Infraero (49 percent). From the total of 51 percent of the private initiative, Invepar owns 90 percent and ACSA 10 percent, respectively.

Media Contacts

Sara Delekta Galligan
IBM Media Relations
1 (415) 545-6715
[email protected]

Vanessa Garcia Xavier
IBM Media Relations, Brazil
55-11-2132-2218
[email protected]

Carlos Lima
GRU Airport
(11) 2445-6593 / 96625-3055
[email protected]

Marcelo de Andrade
Comunicacao+ Consultoria e Assessoria (11) 2445-6811 / 7004-9567
[email protected]

GRU 24h Press Line
(11) 2445-2325 / 2445-2017
[email protected]

SOURCE IBM