Mobile Boarding Passes Take Flight at Continental Airlines Using Psion Teklogix' WORKABOUT PRO
June 4, 2008 — You can surf the web, listen to music and watch your favorite TV show on your wireless device. Now you can even board a plane. Continental Airlines passengers at some of the nation's busiest airports are going wireless when it comes to their boarding passes. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are using the WORKABOUT PRO from Psion Teklogix, Inc. Psion Teklogix (LSE: PON.L), a global provider of wireless computing solutions, to electronically scan boarding passes on passengers' mobile phones or PDAs. As part of the joint TSA and Continental Airlines Paperless Boarding Pass pilot program, the WORKABOUT PRO handheld mobile devices are speeding passengers through airport check-in and security. The program is in place at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Boston's Logan International Airport.
Each paperless boarding pass contains a two-dimensional bar code along with passenger and flight information. Transportation Security Officers are using the WORKABOUT PRO to automatically read the bar code to verify the boarding pass' authenticity. The ergonomic and easy-to-use devices are designed for rugged environments such as airports; they are IP65 rated for water and dust resistance and can withstand multiple 5-foot drops to concrete, making them ideal for the paperless boarding pass application which requires the scanning device to be operated frequently by multiple TSA Officers.
"The performance of the Psion Teklogix WORKABOUT PRO device exceeded our expectations. It offered the functionality that allowed us to execute our paperless strategy related to passenger check in," said Nathan Hanks, Continental Airlines managing director, technology. "We've been using Psion Teklogix devices for nearly three years in other areas of our operations and are pleased to have extended our relationship to this pilot program."
"As the first U.S. carrier to offer paperless boarding, Continental Airlines is taking an innovative approach to providing optimal service to its customers using the latest mobile technologies including our devices," said Ron Caines, president, Americas at Psion Teklogix. "We are proud that our devices were chosen to offer convenience and security to Continental's passengers."
Psion Teklogix' WORKABOUT PRO is the first rugged mobile computer to offer simultaneous voice and data capabilities on AT&T's 3G broadband network. It supports WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity, and comes with a choice of Microsoft Windows operating systems. With more than 200,000 devices deployed worldwide, the WORKABOUT PRO provides maximum flexibility for a range of unique and innovative customer solutions.
For more information on WORKABOUT PRO and Psion Teklogix' range of rugged mobile computing devices, visit http://www.psionteklogix.com/public.aspx?s=us&p=ProductLanding.
To see New England Cable News (NECN) coverage, "Continental Offers Paperless Ticketing at Logan," visit, http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/Continental-offers-paperless-ticketing-at-Logan/1209761709.html.
About Psion Teklogix, Inc.
Psion Teklogix is a global provider of mobile computing solutions which deliver real-time access to enterprise data at the point of activity to improve business efficiency and productivity for leading enterprises throughout the world. Solutions are built around a range of high-quality, innovative mobile computers designed for tough and demanding environments. Psion Teklogix has leading expertise in rugged hardware, integration, service and support and in new and emerging technologies including image capture and RFID. With over three decades of industry experience, Psion Teklogix has customers in more than 80 countries, and over 39 sales and support offices in 23 countries. The Psion Teklogix parent company, Psion PLC, is listed on the London Stock Exchange (PON.L). For more information, visit www.PsionTeklogix.com.