Gatwick Airport uses Simul8 software to plan check-in improvements

Simulation technology to help airport operator to decide on course of action

Gatwick Airport is to implement simulation technology from software provider Simul8 to help it plan improvements to the South Terminal check-in area.

The technology will simulate a number of scenarios incorporating real flight schedules and airline information and then provide a series of best possible responses designed to enable faster passage through the check-in area.

It will allow Gatwick's operator, Global Infrastructure Partners, to test the benefits of potential improvements to the area before it invests.

The Simul8 deal comes as part of a wider investment of £1bn in facilities, equipment and systems by Global Infrastructure Partners.

Other recent investment in IT has been around making sure the phone lines and check-in points contained in the extension to North Terminal are connected to the wider airport network.

The airport checks in 32 million passengers a year.