Real-Time Flight Information Available on Port Web Site

- Computer users can view flight schedule data identical to flight display kiosks at Sea-Tac -

The Port of Seattle announced today that real-time flight information from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is now as close as the Internet. The Port this morning launched a flight information page for the general public on its web site, www.portseattle.org.

The page replicates flight information displayed on large kiosks throughout the airport.

"No longer do you need to be standing in the airport to view the entire range of flights to and from Sea-Tac," said Airport Director Mark Reis. "You can view all arrivals or departures on your home or office computer."

Computer users will be able to do some things that those watching the large kiosks in the terminal cannot. They can sort the information by city, airline, flight time or date or even the remarks section (to find delayed or cancelled flights.)

One obvious use is for those who need to meet an arriving passenger. In the past, it was necessary to know the airline and flight number, and make a specific web inquiry about that single flight. Now, if you know your friend is arriving at a particular time from a specific city, you can easily determine which airline and flight, and even the appropriate baggage claim carousel.

Reis encourages departing travelers to check flight information before leaving their homes or offices. Given real-time flight information, passengers can make better decisions about when to arrive at the airport. Additional information, such as airport maps and gate locations, is also available.

Offering flight display information via the web is the latest benefit of an industry-leading Flight Information Management System (FIMS) inaugurated by Sea-Tac more than a year ago. Airline computer systems are linked directly to FIMS, with FIMS converting the very different forms of data into a single system that the Port can use for gate assignments, baggage claim signage and in this case, flight display data.

"The technical challenge was getting all those different airline computers to talk to our single system," said Airport Deputy Director Michael Feldman. "We're very proud of that accomplishment."

Feldman notes that other valuable functions are in the future for FIMS.

"We hope in the first quarter of 2006 to be able to provide passengers the opportunity to sign up for direct e-mail notification about flight information and schedule updates. If there is a schedule change, passengers can be alerted before they leave their homes or offices for the airport. We are also working to format the information so that it will be readable on a PDA screens," Feldman added.

All flight information for the airport kiosks and web page comes from the airlines.