ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- With dramatic growth in airport wireless
services, an organization was formed by airport and airline groups
to promote the best possible services without conflicts in
technologies.
Called the Wireless Airport Association (WAA), it is a joint
effort of three groups: the American Association of Airport
Executives (AAAE), the Air Transport Association (ATA) and Airports
Council International-North America.
The WAA will recommend technology and practices that best meet
the needs of passengers, employees and airport tenants.
Charles Barclay, AAAE president, said airport wireless services
are going through explosive growth, but "conflicts between wireless
devices and technologies, or incompatible technologies, could
negate much of the value for our airport system in these
advances."
ATA president Carol Hallet said "coordinating efforts will
ensure new technologies are available to travelers while protecting
the integrity of aviation navigation and communications
equipment."
Membership is free and open to individuals and companies with an
interest in airport wireless services.
The WAA's inaugural meeting will be in San Diego from Jan. 28 to
30.
The association's board will be composed of airport and airline
executives.
The group's Web address is at www.wirelessairport.org.