Everyone is a Winner with SpeedCheck at Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport; First Multiple-Airline Check In System Makes Public Debut Today.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2003

Las Vegas travelers are the big winners with the launch of SpeedCheck(SM) at McCarran International Airport. Beginning today, passengers will be able to check in for flights with unprecedented ease, using SpeedCheck(SM), the nation's first multiple-airline kiosk system, developed by ARINC and IBM.

"Travelers love the ease of airline check-in kiosks," said Randall H. Walker, Director, Clark County Department of Aviation, "but finding an individual airline's kiosk in a crowded airport can be a challenge. The SpeedCheck(SM) system offers one-stop shopping, regardless of airline - and allows us to make a greater number of kiosks available. We believe this system will bring unprecedented customer service and convenience for travelers."

Using an initial "selection screen" on any SpeedCheck(SM) kiosk, passengers can access their individual airline's check-in system, and use it just as they are accustomed to doing today. The SpeedCheck(SM) system is based on new technology provided by ARINC Incorporated and IBM.

"With twelve major airlines sharing kiosks, we are looking at the future of air travel today," said John A. Dungan, ARINC's Senior Product Manager. "ARINC is proud to partner with IBM and McCarran on this groundbreaking project. The airport has shown true leadership in adopting a new world standard for kiosk technology. This will move the whole industry forward--airports and airlines alike."

"These multiple-airline check-in kiosks mark a huge step forward in terms of convenience, cost savings and technology advancements," said Rob Ranieri, practice leader, e-access group for IBM Global Services. "IBM has been at the forefront of developing self-service solutions such as travel check-in kiosks and airline check-in applications for years, and is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work along with ARINC to help pioneer these shared kiosks from concept to reality."

In the initial deployment phase, more than 30 SpeedCheck(SM) kiosks are available throughout McCarran's Terminal 1, strategically located close to security checkpoints and in the center of the airport's Ticketing lobby. Additionally, six off-site kiosks are available at the Las Vegas Convention Center, allowing conventioneers to check-in and print a boarding pass before heading to the airport.

"The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority stands behind any service that makes visitors' experience here more enjoyable and hassle-free," said LVCVA Executive Vice President Rossi Ralenkotter. "The SpeedCheck(SM) kiosks installed at the Las Vegas Convention Center will provide a welcome convenience to many of the 1.3 million convention delegates who do business at the Las Vegas Convention Center each year."

Self-service check-in is currently available via SpeedCheck(SM) for the following airlines: AirTran, Alaska, Aloha, America West, Continental, Delta, Midwest, Northwest, Song, Southwest, United and U.S. Airways. Additional airlines will be added to the system this fall.

Plans are currently underway for a second phase deployment, which will place kiosks at airline ticket counters, enabling baggage-tag printing for checked luggage.

McCarran will own and maintain the SpeedCheck(SM) kiosks, saving the airlines money while improving passenger convenience. The initial phase of the SpeedCheck(SM) program, including technology infrastructure and hardware, was developed at a cost of approximately $2 million. McCarran and ARINC helped the airlines prepare for the launch by providing application and integration support.

McCarran has been an active partner in an international group of airports and airlines developing worldwide standards for common use self-service kiosks, organized through the International Air Transport Association (IATA). SpeedCheck(SM) (McCarran's registered name for this new system) represents the first U.S. deployment of this exciting technology, and is the first system in the world to carry multiple airline applications on a common kiosk.

"Today's launch represents the culmination of years of work with the international aviation community and leading-edge technology providers," said Walker. "It's great news not only for Las Vegas, but for travelers everywhere. Now that the technology has been proven, the door is open for other airports to follow."

ARINC Airport Systems is a major provider of common-use passenger technology and has led the industry with a long list of firsts over the years. Its MUSE(R) passenger systems are found at more than 55 airports worldwide, where they are used by 260 airlines carrying more than 300 million passengers a year. Installations include London Heathrow, Las Vegas McCarran, JFK, San Francisco, and other major airports throughout Europe and Asia.

ARINC Incorporated is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,000 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001 certified. For more information, visit the ARINC web site at www.arinc.com.

IBM, the global market leader in travel check-in kiosk systems, has more than 3,000 self-service check-in kiosks installed or on order at over 200 locations worldwide. IBM's Electronic Access team, which is part of IBM Global Services, provides worldwide support for all of IBM's self-service application software, middleware and kiosk hardware development. For more information on travel/hospitality related solutions from IBM and its business partners, please visit www.ibm.com/industries/travel.