Automatic document checking solution simplifies the complex task of verifying travel documentation requirements for airline passengers
Mumbai, India, September 22, 2008: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), (BSE: TCS.BO, NSE: TCS.NS), a leading global IT services and business solutions firm, and I-SEC Technologies, a fully owned subsidiary of ICTS International N.V., a world leader in aviation security, today announced through their partnership with Star Alliance, a global airline alliance, the launch of its premier alliance product for automatic document checking, aimed at simplifying the complex task of verifying travel documentation requirements for travelers.
The development of this automatic document checking software is a Star Alliance joint initiative involving experts from eleven of its member carriers. TCS designed the overall solution and managed the prestigious program for Star Alliance, while ISEC Technologies maintains the systems' rule engine data base and assisted in designing its concept.
“The automatic document checking solution helps carriers to significantly expedite check-in processes” said Lee Hock Lye, Vice President, Products and Services, Star Alliance. “As airline costs continue to rise, carriers need solutions that reduce cost, improve travel efficiency and boost customer satisfaction; automatic document checking does just this.”
Automatic document checking has already been implemented at one leading Star Alliance member carrier. Additional Star Alliance member carriers are presently working on future implementation schedules. This state-of-the-art solution will reduce the time for passenger check-in and help airlines avoid immigration fines.
S. Sukanya, Global Head, Travel, Transportation & Hospitality Industry Solution Unit, said, “We are proud to partner with Star Alliance in this initiative. In 2005, we helped Star become the first global alliance to allow inter-airline upgrades across its carriers. TCS is now continuing its pioneering partnership to deliver an innovative, cutting edge automatic document checking solution that reduces airline costs and improves traveler satisfaction.”
The automatic document checking solution shortens airport check-in time, especially for international travelers. The automatic document checking software evaluates the passengers’ travel documents and provides clear Yes, No or Conditional decisions on whether the passengers’ travel documents will allow them to continue to their intended destination. The system also provides travel warnings and restrictions associated with the rules of the country they are traveling to, in a clear, easy to understand format. The system helps expand the scope of off-airport check-in initiatives, as it can be extended to airlines’ check in systems on the Internet and at self-service kiosks.
Menachem J. Atzmon, the chairman of ICTS stated, “The launch of the automatic document checking solution is an important milestone in the journey of I-SEC delivering world-class aviation security solutions. We are proud to partner with TCS to deliver this solution for Star Alliance which reduces carrier cost while improving travel and time efficiency and time for all.”
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience. Star Alliance received the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award in 2008 and was voted Best Airline Alliance by Business Traveler Magazine in 2003, 2006 and 2007 and by Skytrax in 2003, 2005 and 2007. The members are Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, Egyptair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network. Air India has been accepted as a future member. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 18,100 daily flights to 975 destinations in 162 countries. www.staralliance.com.
About I-SEC Technologies
I-SEC Technologies (formally ICTS Technologies B.V) is a fully owned subsidiary of ICTS International N.V., a world leader in aviation security for over two decades, which has pioneered the development of innovative security concepts and systems. I-SEC Technologies specializes in the development and implementation of unique, state-of-the-art technological solutions for the homeland security market, designed to meet border control security needs; current and anticipated threats to the transportation industry (aviation, mass transit,); and banks by providing a front-end automated document reading and forgery detection capabilities; all to provide innovative security solutions for other sectors where large numbers of individuals gather and also by providing different technology means for enhancing security and comprising an effective using fine prevention tools for airlines, shipping companies, etc. The integrative systems developed by the company are the product of its broad technological expertise and significant capabilities, and the extensive know-how and international operational experience of its parent company, accumulated during more than two decades. I-SEC Technologies' innovative products have proven their effectiveness in the USA, Europe, South America and Africa, fully complying with local and international regulator requirements.
About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organization that delivers real results to global businesses, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software development. A part of the Tata Group, India’s largest industrial conglomerate, TCS has over 116,000 of the world's best trained IT consultants in 50 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $5.7 billion for fiscal year ended 31 March 2008 and is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in India. For more information, visit us at www.tcs.com.