Looking Out for the Little Guy

David Kennedy

International airports of all sizes can and should expect the same level of support, customization and savings from their software provider. Quantum Aviation CEO David Kennedy explains why.
Small and mid-sized airports have traditionally lagged behind larger airports in terms of IT infrastructure because of costly and cumbersome legacy enterprise systems. These one-size-fits-all systems aren’t created to be scalable; there are significant capital costs to invest and a complex purchasing process makes most airports shy away from improvements. Oftentimes airports don’t want to own the infrastructure, and that is understandable.
Today, we are seeing a change in the relationship between smaller international airports and IT providers. Now, those airports can reap the same benefits as larger hubs with access to a global system that is open-source and equally as robust. There are no capital expenditures and no internal databases to manage. Because of systems that organizations like Quantum provide, airports can change and upgrade their system with no upfront cost. There’s room for everyone to play. And it will benefit the industry no matter the size.
From a functional perspective, airports will benefit from systems like Quantum’s that host and manage the airport’s technology services, as well as cover the investment of hardware with high standard products. On the front end, Quantum’s system is designed from the user perspective. It offers unique customization for each airport’s needs and is focused on functionality. That range of functionality available to an airport has expanded dramatically and, with Quantum’s customization, can offer the airport a broader range of valuable capabilities.
Think of it more simply like a subscription to Spotify, the music, podcast and video streaming service. Instead of buying an entire library of music, you have access to whatever you want to listen to. You don’t own the library, but it is yours to use. Similarly, a hosted system provides airports with the depth of services they need without investing in everything they don’t need. To take it a step further, Quantum provides airports with hardware (Spotify doesn’t provide your phone), and price is scalable based on use, unlike the flat fee of the music provider (and Quantum’s competitors).
A wider benefit of technology being accessible by small and mid-sized airports is that it supports and facilitates global information sharing by airlines and airports. The integration of information is both an expectation of the travelling public, as well as an industry trend with initiatives such as IATA Resolution 753. Adoption of new technology allows airports to meet the expectations of both their airline customers and the travelling public.