Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Airport IT details Wi'Fi overhaul, parking reservation and cybersecurity work as international service nears
Summary
Airport Data Systems presented planned technology upgrades including a new parking reservation product, a complete public Wi'Fi replacement, and steps to meet TSA cybersecurity expectations as the airport prepares to support its first nonstop international flight Nov. 8.
Robert Scarberry, business systems manager for the Airport Data Systems division, told trustees on Oct. 23 that the team is rolling out several customer'facing and operational technology projects as Oklahoma City prepares to support international service.
Scarberry said the division's mission is to provide "reliable, cost effective, innovative airport technology solutions to connect Oklahoma City Airport to people, places, and possibilities." He highlighted work on flight information display systems, a new common use system for airline flexibility, and parking enhancements including an ecommerce/mobile pay platform and an upcoming parking reservation product.
On parking, Scarberry described a web'based reservation flow that will integrate with the airport's existing parking access and revenue control system. Customers will select arrival and return dates, pay at reservation, and receive a QR code by email to scan at the gate. "These fees, to be clear, will be paid upon reservation," Scarberry said, explaining the payment requirement is intended to discourage no'shows and allow the airport to better manage supply.
Trustees pressed for operational details: the reservation product will reserve an area rather than an exact space, will allow cancellations and rebooking, and include controls to limit abuse. Scarberry said the team aims to launch the product soon but that timing could slip into the new year as integrations and marketing are finalized.
Scarberry also said the airport is replacing its public Wi'Fi to increase speed and coverage density, with the team targeting completion ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. He said Part 139 airfield inspections and tenant badging processes have been digitized to improve field efficiency and records.
Director Mulder and Scarberry warned trustees that the airport's network backbone is aging and will require a multi'year rebuild. Mulder added that TSA has heightened cybersecurity requirements for airports and that the IT group is implementing measures to come into compliance.
Scarberry outlined staffing and team priorities, noting the Airport Data Systems division has six positions with one vacancy and that the small team supports thousands of endpoints. "We want to deliver big airport experiences with small airport hospitality," he said.
The presentation concluded with an overview of individual staff members and a question'and'answer period with trustees about AI, prioritization of projects and the parking product. Scarberry said evolving AI presents opportunity and change for IT processes but that leadership in the city'level IT organization will guide implementation.
