Gibbons Lecture Series: Innovation in Airline Human-Computer Interaction: from ALC to IoT

Speaker: Paul McGlashan
Chief Architect, Air New Zealand

When: 6pm for 6.30pm start, Thursday 14th May, 2015
Where: Owen G Glenn Building, Room OGGB3/260-092, level-0
Note that there is public parking in the basement of the Owen G Glenn Building at 12 Grafton Road. Refreshments will be served in the level-1 lobby.

Paul McGlashan is in the unique position of being the first graduate in Computer Science from The University of Auckland, gaining an MSc with 1st class honours in 1983, with a thesis implementing the computer language “B” (roughly based on Algol 68). After working in the IT industry in Auckland, particularly 12 years spent with Optimation NZ Ltd where he set up the Auckland office and became a Principal Consultant, he returned to study to be awarded a further 1st class Masters Degree in Creative and Performing Arts in Sound Recording and Design in 2006.

Paul joined Air New Zealand in 2005 after consulting on many technology projects at the airline over the previous ten years; he is now Chief Architect with responsibility for Architecture and Information Security, managing a team of 20 IT staff. In addition to his "day job", Paul owns and operates the recording company Classic Sound that specializes in capturing orchestral and choral performances. Paul, himself, remains a practicing musician, being a trained organist and a member of the Viva Voce chamber choir.

Synopsis: It was not long ago that all interaction between the public and airlines was through the intermediary of travel agents who used a "green screen" user interface based on the Airline Control standard interface that was suited only to trained and trusted users. Nowadays, the bulk of interaction has shifted to be on-line and direct, between the customer and the airlines' "systems of engagement". Air New Zealand has taken control of its IT in-house and has been correspondingly more innovative than its competitors, being at the forefront of HCI. The company has itself become a developer of innovative self-service systems that are used at many stages of the customer journey from Booking through to Inflight. A wide range of technology channels have been exploited including Web, Mobile, Kiosk, Smart Card and Inflight Entertainment with further opportunities on the horizon as the "Internet of Things" becomes a reality.

The lecture will be streamed live.
Currently you can test the link to ensure that your computer is set up correctly.