Customer Spotlight: Myrtle Beach International Airport + Commercial Aviation of the Future
Welcome to Myrtle Beach, one of the largest vacation spots on the East Coast. When a passenger steps off of the plane at Myrtle Beach International Airport, the last thing on his mind is the interface for the ticketing booths or the secured data on the display screens.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is home to attractions like Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, beautiful beaches and luscious golf courses. All of these elements attract national conferences for business goers and weeklong family vacations. Myrtle Beach is a major center for tourism in the United States and it has been estimated that nearly 15 million people visit the city each year.
The Myrtle Beach International Airport, owned by Horry County and operated by the Department of Airports, is a full-service facility that serves as the gateway to the Grand Strand. In May 2010, the airport began the Terminal Capacity Enhancement Program, a $118 million program that delivered a new automated baggage handling system, expansions that mobilize passengers, and many aesthetic improvements. Networking wizard and brain behind the ever expanding IT infrastructure is Scott Van Moppes, Assistant Director of Airports.
Van Moppes has 30 years of industry experience and is known for innovative solutions. Scott landed at Myrtle Beach International Airport 11 years ago where he administers everything from TSA information to terminal networks all while being Airport Executive certified. Recently he was the lead for Delta Airline’s standalone ticketing kiosk which handles gate check-ins and seat changes.
Carolina Advanced Digital, Inc.’s relationship with Scott started in 2008 when he purchased a few HP ProVision switches and collaborated on a new security project with John Jabbusch, President and Chief Engineer of Carolina Advanced Digital. Due to the increase of passengers and terminal expansion, Van Moppes has made rapid progress for new network technologies that enhance the transit experience for visitors and allow employees to effectively provide better service to passengers.
One project in particular is the installation of outdoor access points that enable fuel handlers to use tablets that track the amounts of fuel each plane requires. Totals are automatically sent to departments for invoicing and inventory. This process eliminates downtime in calculations, billing, and could ultimately keep airfare to a minimum.
Another project Van Moppes implemented was common-use network that is distributed amongst all airport terminals. If an airline needs to switch terminals within the airport, they have the option to access a secure network customized for the airline from any station with ease and flexibility.
“This is all because of Carolina Advanced Digital,” says Van Moppes.
Whether if it is sharing a soft pretzel at IT Hot Topics Conference or configuring a redundant networking system, both Van Moppes and Carolina Advanced Digital look forward to future projects.
