Making JFK Terminal One resilient

Challenge

Redeveloping a busy terminal while keeping everything operational is no small task. TOGA needed a solution that could operate independently of the airport’s primary systems. The goal was clear: to ensure passengers and airlines would not be affected by construction-related challenges.

Solution

To meet this need, TOGA partnered with Ink Innovation to deploy the Disaster Recovery System (Ink DRS). This mobile-based backup system operates entirely on tablets and phones, allowing Terminal One to continue core operations such as flight creation, passenger check-ins, and baggage handling, even during unexpected disruptions.

Steve Rowland, Executive Director of Terminal One, emphasised the importance of this initiative:"With the construction of JFK, we are urged to take actions to mitigate the risks of outages. Ink DRS is the only system we know runs on tablets and mobile phones, which are independent of the airport infrastructure."

How it works

Ink DRS was designed to ensure critical operations remain functional even during outages. During a live trial in 2023, the system successfully demonstrated its ability to:

• Create flights and manage seat maps
• Process passenger registrations, including special requests
• Handle data for passenger security checks, including Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Name List (PNL) integration.
• Manage baggage handling systems.

Mobile service points for check-ins and boarding were activated seamlessly, enabling staff to process passengers and even large groups without delays while bypassing the airport’s primary systems.

Results

Ink DRS has demonstrated measurable benefits to Terminal One. Key results include:

• Faster processing and continuous service: Check-in times were reduced to less than 30 seconds, while boarding times averaged 6 seconds per passenger.
• Efficient training: Agents were trained to use the system in 45 minutes, enabling rapid adoption across the terminal.
• Peak efficiency: The system supports a peak processing rate of 50 passengers per hour per service point, ensuring continuous handling even during busy times.

As observed at JFK Terminal One, unexpected outages can disrupt operations, but these disruptions can be mitigated with effective disaster recovery solutions. Solutions such as Ink DRS ensure uninterrupted service, even in challenging situations. The scalable nature of this approach demonstrates its potential to address various operational risks in airports worldwide.