Cutting-edge technology helps Virgin Atlantic to create world’s fastest check-In

NIIT Technologies has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to provide custom-built technologies at the airline’s new Upper Class Wing in Heathrow’s Terminal Three.

The software was designed to link customer details, flight information and limo service details together and provides Virgin Atlantic staff with accurate information and tools to efficiently and effectively manage the Upper Class Wing operation.

NIIT Technologies has been working with Virgin Atlantic in multiple areas including:

• Guest Entry Management System; a touch-screen information system that allows passengers faster entry into the Club house

• Unified Passenger Name Record; moving from a shared customer information database and created a centralised database, which has improved efficiency on the network

• Cargo Revenue Management System Interface; a program between Virgin Atlantic’s cargo system and their revenue management program

Mike Cope, IT Director at Virgin Atlantic said:

“I was very impressed with NIIT's commitment to the project and their tenacity for getting it completed in time. The software they delivered has enabled Virgin Atlantic to provide an excellent service to our passengers”.

Ravi Pandey, UK Head of NIIT Technologies Ltd oversaw the delivery of the project and spoke highly of the partnership with Virgin Atlantic.

“NIIT Technologies' has been following a strategy to focus and differentiate in our chosen verticals. In the UK, Travel, Transport and Logistics is our biggest vertical and we are proud of the innovative IT solutions we deliver for some of the largest airlines in UK. NIIT Technologies has contributed to the IT solutions behind the world-class service pioneered by Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow Terminal 3. The efficiencies that have been created by our joint working model have played a valuable role in delivering this market leading differentiator,” he said.

About Virgin Atlantic Airways

LONDON UK, Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long haul airlines launched the Upper Class Wing at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 in November 2007. The new Wing offers the airline’s business class passengers the world’s fastest check-in service taking them through to the airline’s Clubhouse in minutes.

The Upper Class Wing, allows Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class passengers who have already supplied check-in details to their driver to be driven in their limos to a curved ramp straight to the arrival area where they are welcomed by a Virgin Atlantic host, and a porter to take their bags. They then pass through a private security channel, exclusive for Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class passengers and Gold Card holders, and onto the airline’s flagship Clubhouse.

Virgin Atlantic flies from London Gatwick and Heathrow airports, to 30 long haul destinations worldwide from Las Vegas and Shanghai.

Virgin Atlantic has won a series of international business, consumer and trade accolades for its services. The airline has pioneered a range of innovations setting new standards of service, which its competitors have subsequently sought to follow. Despite Virgin Atlantic’s growth the service still remains customer driven with an emphasis on value for money, quality, fun and innovation.