BRACKNELL, UNITED KINGDOM, 29 NOVEMBER 2016 – To make life easier for airline passengers, US-based security specialist Maxxess has delivered an innovative surveillance solution for travel technology company AirPortr at three London airports – paving the way to expand the pioneering luggage transfer service worldwide.
The AirPortr (airportr.com) service is the first of its kind in Europe. It provides an easy, convenient way to transfer luggage to and from a traveller’s home, office or hotel address and London’s Heathrow, Gatwick or City Airports, allowing more productive use of time without cumbersome bags in tow. Travellers can book the service online and ensure their luggage is stored securely at dedicated depots at each airport.
Following a four-way tender, the AirPortr team chose a unified Maxxess solution to ensure full compliance with the airline industry’s most stringent security demands. While protecting all luggage from damage, tampering and theft at every stage of transfer, the cost-effective solution offered the scalability to support AirPortr’s global growth ambitions.
The integrated solution is built on the open-protocol IP Maxxess eFusion modular platform, with system design and implementation delivered by security specialists, Texuna Integrated Security Systems. It enables AirPortr to operate the highest levels of security at its three London depots. All luggage handled by the company is subject to rigorous security checks including x-ray scans when entering and leaving the airport, with each item securely sealed. In addition, every item is surveillance time-stamped on collection and delivery to provide full track and trace accountability of its location at any time, including confirmation of the exact time of entry and departure from the AirPortr depot.
Key elements of the solution integrated onto the Maxxess eFusion platform include: access control from Third Millennium to secure all depot doors and entry points; a mix of Sony high-definition (HD) surveillance cameras for 24/7 monitoring; and Wavestore video management software (VMS) to simultaneously view, control and manage live video, recorded footage and integrated devices from a single screen. All access control functions are serially linked to the Wavestore VMS. In the event of a breach, a camera can automatically focus on the event, allowing security operatives to immediately verify the facts in full-HD and respond fast. Wavestore’s powerful reporting and data analytics also facilitate key processes including time-stamping. To ensure military grade protection, the system incorporates 128-bit encryption to meet the highest airline security standards.
A decisive factor in the choice of Maxxess eFusion was its inherent flexibility, giving AirPortr the assurance of a scalable solution to support future growth. It was also financially attractive, offering the best overall value, multiple cost efficiencies and attractive return on investment.
Following successful implementation, the security solution will continue to deliver significant benefits to AirPortr, both in the short and long-term. AirPortr aims to replicate its business model in other locations, while retaining its competitive edge as a leading travel technology innovator. The company is also exploring partner affiliations with airlines and hotel groups to offer added-value services which complement its core luggage transfer proposition.
Commenting, Danielle Sharp, Head of Security and Compliance at AirPortr said: “We take every aspect of security extremely seriously and leave nothing to chance. Our customers have absolute assurance that, with AirPortr, their valuables will be in safe hands 100% of the time. Following a meticulous procurement process, Maxxess eFusion was a cut above, giving us all the benefits of an agile security solution that can flex and grow with our business.
Lee Copland, Maxxess Managing Director, EMEA, added: “We’re delighted that AirPortr chose a Maxxess eFusion solution to help launch its exciting new service. The company is benefiting from a unified user-friendly solution that offers all the functions, features and flexibility to support its future plans – all at a lower total cost of ownership and level of performance that until recently was only attainable for the largest public sector and corporate enterprises.”
