On November 18, our "AIST"- Common Use Passenger Processing System was included in the Russian Federation Register of Domestic Software. The platform is designed to enable multiple airline applications to operate on shared airport infrastructure and interface with various peripheral devices, including scanners, boarding pass printers, baggage tag printers, and more.

The system is designed to launch and run multiple airline DCS applications that require simultaneous operation with peripheral devices connected to the workstation via serial ports.

What does this all mean? Just one thing — next year, "VESTNIK"- Passenger information system and “Special Control”-PAX-Control will have a serious competitor, eager to vie for the number of visits to airports. ?

We promised to share the exciting news about our grand "dash to the South" back in the summer, but we got a little delayed. ?

This story began back in 2020. As always, around the New Year, our team was setting ambitious goals for the year ahead. One of them went like this: "This summer, we absolutely have to experience the warm southern climate at least three times!" And just a few days later, contracts with the Aerodinamika holding were already being signed.

“Special Control”-PAX-Control is coming to the South!

Amazing things start happening when our system arrives at an airport. Take Krasnodar, for example — they're breaking passenger records! And Anapa? The news from Sochi is simply unbeatable! We are proud of our colleagues' achievements and celebrate with them every day.

Just imagine: over 26 million people a year now pass through the sterile area and board their flights under the watchful eye of “Special Control”-PAX-Control. And that's just in three airports!

And this is only the beginning! ?

The final month of the outgoing year 2021 was so productive that we still find it hard to believe the unprecedented results ourselves. “Special Control”-PAX-Control completed its annual tour, rolling out in five airports in December alone: Perm, Volgograd, Mineralnye Vody, Chita, and Belgorod.

The implementation process was one of the toughest: our intrepid colleague, responsible for software deployment and commissioning, spent 26.5 hours in the air during this time, connected thousands of wires and cables, grabbed 15 business lunches on the go, slept no more than 6 hours a night, and configured over 130 workstations! Meanwhile, in the very heart of our nation's capital, the brave half of the team responsible for remote system deployment took over for him during those precious hours allotted for sleep.

In short, as you might have gathered, we'll be celebrating this year's results with a wide smile for a long time to come!

We can't wait for 2022 — we've prepared an action-packed checklist for it! ?

Vladivostok Airport switches to Russian-made "AIST"- Common Use Passenger Processing System

Vladivostok International Airport has transitioned to a Russian-made common-use airport infrastructure platform, "AIS"T, developed by Skolkovo Foundation resident, Neolabs.

The long-awaited news we've all been anticipating since December 2021:

Ufa International Airport became the first in Russia to switch to our CUPPS platform," AIST". In late 2021 and early 2022, a joint effort successfully migrated 65 check-in counters and boarding gates, previously operating on a foreign platform.

Today, the system supports applications from 13 airlines, including major Russian carriers (Aeroflot, S7, Utair, Ural Airlines, Pobeda) and international operators (FlyDubai, Turkish Airlines, Belavia). The total number of daily check-ins reaches 3,000 passengers.

The primary drivers for Ufa Airport's choice of the "AIST" platform were the need to align with the import substitution policy, reduce the dependence of critical airport systems on foreign suppliers, and ensure the security and protection of personal data of Russian citizens within the country.

Equally important factors in selecting the solution were the system's technical performance, matching international standards, and the ability for rapid platform customization based on airport requests — a capability previously unavailable with foreign vendors — along with native-language support and documentation in Russian.

The "AIST" common-use platform enables multiple airlines to operate from shared check-in counters and boarding gates, utilizing any peripheral equipment available at the airport (passport and boarding pass scanners, baggage tag and boarding pass printers). This results in increased airport throughput and significantly reduced check-in time.

In late December, we were named winners of the Sprint accelerator program (by the IIDF and the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia). Furthermore, "AIST" was selected as one of the projects recommended for the development of new communication internet technologies under the federal project "Digital Technologies" of the national program "Digital Economy of the Russian Federation."

We are delighted to share this news!

In September 2022, Uzbekistan hosted the 22nd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The first to warmly welcome the heads of state and international delegations was the newly built, state-of-the-art airport in Samarkand.

The construction of the new terminal utilized advanced technologies and solutions from leading industry suppliers, and we were fortunate to be among them with our "VESTNIK"- Passenger information system public address system.

For us, this project was a pioneer in many ways: it was our first venture into the dynamically developing market of Uzbekistan; our first project with full-fledged support for the Uzbek language for passenger announcements; and the first where we implemented integration with software solutions from TAV Technologies.

May the familiar, reassuring, and pleasant voice of our system be a small bonus to your journey to the beautiful and captivating city of Samarkand!

Vladivostok International Airport has transitioned to a Russian-made common-use airport infrastructure platform, "AIST", developed by Skolkovo Foundation resident, Neolabs.

The implementation of the platform has qualitatively improved the operation and maintenance of related production systems. By integrating the "AIST" platform with the previously installed passenger access control system, Special Control, the airport eliminated the need for additional hardware modules at boarding gates that were previously required for integration with foreign CUTE/CUPPS platforms. This has reduced costs associated with computer support, replacement, ongoing updates, and repairs — the agent now sees all necessary information on a single monitor.

Furthermore, the airport is no longer dependent on BSM telegrams — specialized files about checked baggage that it previously had to request from airlines. This information is now generated and immediately recorded by "Special Control" through the "AIST" platform itself.

The architecture of the "AIST" and "Special Control" platforms allows for the connection of a biometric data provider without requiring structural changes to the software. The gradual transition to paperless passenger processing through formal airport checks will make air travel more convenient and secure.

Winter in Krasnoyarsk — it's the crunch of snow, the nip of frost on your cheeks, pine nut jam, strong aromatic tea, and… vivid emotions and an invigorating drive from the bustling activity of continuously improving the wonderful Dmitri Hvorostovsky Airport!

Returning and immersing ourselves in this rhythm is a special pleasure, especially since this time we arrived in the heart of Siberia with two software products: audio and visual passenger information systems.

As always, we were met with interesting challenges, the highest requirements for security and software quality, and an equally high level of professionalism, dedication, and engagement from the Airport's operational departments in the project.

A completely new, modern FIDS design optimized for passenger convenience — developed by the Airport and implemented by us in "VESTNIK", a maximally thoughtful audio information architecture that allows information to reach passengers in every corner of the terminal complex, the deep integration of our software products into the architecture of the Airport's information systems, and compliance with all requirements imposed on a major aviation hub in terms of passenger information — these are just a few of the results of the fruitful collaboration on the project.

Vladivostok International Airport has transitioned to a Russian-made common-use airport infrastructure platform, "AIST", developed by Skolkovo Foundation resident, Neolabs .

The air gateway of the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District, amid the growing status of the region as a whole and the city of Vladivostok in particular, requires a special approach to the security, quality, and reliability of production processes that ensure the stable operation of this transport hub .

Denis Chmutov, Acting General Director of Vladivostok International Airport JSC: "Vladivostok International Airport, understanding its role in the transport accessibility and development of a strategic region, is systematically implementing a strategy of import substitution to ensure the airport's technological sovereignty from foreign software. One of the most complex and challenging steps in this process was transitioning the airport to a Russian-made common-use airport infrastructure platform — the "AIST" platform, developed by Skolkovo Foundation resident, Neolabs" .

The airport approached this process with great responsibility, fully understanding the importance and complexity of the project: preparations for the transition, testing the platform's operability with various departure control systems, and integrating it into the airport's information system architecture were carried out throughout most of 2022 . These measures made it possible to organize the migration of 60 workstations at check-in counters and boarding gates in a timely and systematic manner, ensuring a smooth transition to the new software and allowing the airport to navigate one of the busiest periods of the year, the New Year holidays, without disruptions or any decline in the quality of passenger services .

The implementation of the platform has qualitatively improved the operation and maintenance of related production systems. By integrating the "AIST" software with the "Special Control" passenger access control system, it was possible to eliminate the need for additional hardware modules at boarding gates (previously required for the passenger access control system to work with foreign CUTE/CUPPS platforms) and to eliminate the use of BSM telegrams for monitoring suspect baggage linked to passengers within the "Special Control" system .

Equally important is the preparation of the IT landscape of the airport's production systems for the subsequent implementation of advanced information technologies, primarily biometrics. The current architecture of the "AIST" and "Special Control" systems deployed at the airport allows for the connection of a biometric data provider for use within these systems without the need for structural software changes . A gradual transition to paperless passenger processing for formal airport checks based on biometric data should not only boost passenger satisfaction and convenience but also enhance security throughout the terminal complex .

Alexander Semchenko, General Director of Neolabs: "CUTE/CUPPS systems are involved in the processes of servicing passengers at check-in counters and boarding gates, meaning they directly impact the continuity and stability of the services the airport provides to airlines, which are critical to the business of both parties. That is precisely why replacing the platform provider is a painful process for an airport, fraught with significant financial and reputational risks. We are grateful to Vladivostok Airport for the high level of trust they placed in us, and for the dedication and support of the airport's departments. Thanks to them, we were able to jointly carry out this difficult migration process without any incidents, failures, and while maintaining a high level of passenger service quality" .

Source: CNews

Electronic boarding passes now available for domestic passengers at Pulkovo Airport

Pulkovo Airport has introduced mobile boarding passes for passengers on domestic flights. According to the press service of the airport's operating company, Northern Capital Gateway (NCG), the service has been available to all carriers operating on Russian routes since March 1, 2023.

Andrey Drobovich, NCG's Chief Operating Officer, explained that the service is designed for passengers traveling with carry-on luggage only. Passengers with checked baggage will still need to proceed to the check-in counter. "To use the service, passengers must check in online and receive an electronic boarding pass. To pass pre-flight control and board the flight, the boarding pass must be presented on a mobile device," Drobovich stated. Previously, passengers were required to present a paper ticket at the security screening area for stamping by airport staff, as well as a paper boarding pass at the aircraft gate.

Pulkovo added that the "Mobile Boarding Pass" project was launched using Russian software developed by Neolabs. According to the NCG press release, the growth of the airport's passenger traffic was among the reasons for implementing electronic boarding passes for domestic flights.

Following the results of 2022, Pulkovo Airport became the second busiest airport in Russia for domestic air traffic for the first time, surpassing Moscow's Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports in this metric. Last year, Pulkovo served 15.8 million passengers on domestic routes.

Source: РБК

Aynur Kurbangulov, Head of IT and Communications at Ufa International Airport JSC: "Ufa International Airport was one of the first in Russia to undertake a large-scale program to replace foreign software used in key production processes with domestic digital solutions. One of the most complex and significant elements of this process was the project to transition the airport's infrastructure to the domestic "AIST" platform.

The essence of this class of platform is to enable various airline DCS applications to interact with the airport's peripheral passenger service devices (baggage tag and boarding pass printers, scanners, keyboards with passport readers, etc.) via a single, unified protocol. This software allows for: instant switching between different DCS applications during passenger processing (which is important, for example, at business-class check-in counters or bag drop counters); shared use of the same equipment by different DCS applications (crucial during peak hours when numerous flights depart almost simultaneously); monitoring agent workload; and more. Until 2021, this class of software on the Russian market was represented exclusively by foreign-made systems.

Over the past year, despite all the challenges the industry has faced, Ufa International Airport set another passenger record, reaching the 4 million mark 10 days earlier than in 2021. This achievement was made possible, in part, thanks to the timely transition to the "AIST" platform, which not only replaced its foreign counterpart without any loss in passenger service quality or speed but also helped improve related production processes.

For example, by integrating the "AIST" software with the "Special Control" electronic boarding pass and passenger access control system already in use at the airport, we were able to streamline and accelerate the security check process for passengers at the boarding gates. This has become an important link in the implementation of the 'seamless travel' concept, aimed at maximizing the simplification and acceleration of the passenger journey through transport infrastructure facilities. We now have a unified view of the passenger's digital journey from the check-in counter to boarding, we can see what issues they encounter in the terminal, and we can help them resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Over the reporting year, more than 2 million departing passengers from 13 different airlines have been processed through 65 workstations running the "AIST" system at the airport. These include both major Russian carriers (Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Pobeda, Ural Airlines) and international ones (Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia).

Our experience in transitioning an airport's infrastructure to a domestic CUPPS platform has proven to be in high demand in the market — throughout the year, representatives from over a dozen other airports interested in rapidly replacing their existing foreign solutions visited us in person or via video conferencing to learn about our experience."

Source: AviaPort

The agreement will not only provide comprehensive support for mutual efforts to transition Russian airlines and airports to domestic software products while maintaining high standards of passenger service, but will also offer market participants new, enhanced functional capabilities. These Russian software solutions are also available for implementation at airports and by airlines in neighboring countries.

Deepening collaboration between the development companies opens up broad opportunities for improving the quality of services realized within software products, believes Alexander Semchenko, CEO of Neolabs: "By creating a full-scale testbed, gaining early access to new versions of the Astra DCS software used by Russia's largest airlines, and developing new functionality together with our colleagues, we can significantly reduce the 'time to market' metric — critical for our clients — regarding the release of new versions of our products, while ensuring more optimal and extensive functionality."

"Sirena-Travel is a driver of import substitution in the civil aviation sector of the Russian Federation, successfully implementing an unprecedented project for our industry to transition key Russian airlines, such as Aeroflot, Pobeda, Rossiya, and Ural Airlines, to the domestic Astra reservation and ticketing system. For us, it is crucial that at the intersection of airline and airport systems, there is clear and transparent interaction with the airport systems provider, the possibility of prompt communication and mutual assistance, the security of information exchange, and a high level of expertise in passenger service processes at the airport. This combination is a guarantor of stable operations and high-quality services for passengers. Together with Neolabs, we are making every effort to accelerate the transition of our market to modern domestic products," said Mikhail Shchadinsky, representative of Sirena-Travel JSC.

Source: AEX.RU

Pulkovo Airport Transitions Check-In and Boarding Infrastructure to "AIST Common-Use Platform".The check-in counter and boarding gate infrastructure at Pulkovo Airport has been migrated to the AIST common-use platform. Designed to enable multiple airlines to operate on shared infrastructure using various peripheral devices — such as scanners, boarding pass printers, baggage tag printers, and more — the platform marks a significant milestone in the airport's digital transformation.

When making the decision to implement the platform, Northern Capital Gateway (NCG), the operator of Pulkovo Airport, was guided not only by the qualitative characteristics of the software solution but also by the synergy that "AIST" would provide to the airport in conjunction with other domestic production systems being deployed as part of the import substitution strategy, explains Andrey Nesterov, the company's IT Director. The expert notes: "Thanks to the well-coordinated work between Pulkovo and Neolabs, we managed to implement an extremely complex project in record time — just 1.5 months. We migrated 175 workstations to the new platform, which now serve over 40 airlines and handle approximately 70,000 passengers daily. Importantly, we completed the migration just before the start of the peak tourist season."

Pulkovo had previously implemented another development by Neolabs — the "Special Control" system for multi-factor verification of passenger documents and data, and for managing mobile boarding passes. Work is currently underway on a project to implement a baggage control system. The organic interaction with these systems allows the airport to receive not just a list of independent services, but a comprehensive solution that includes forming a unified digital passenger journey and a single data exchange environment. "We can now see when a passenger goes through check-in, security screening, and boarding procedures. Based on this information, we can assess the quality of our services and make informed decisions when resolving disputes," comments Pavel Kushnirenko, Director of Ground Handling at Northern Capital Gateway. "This is important for us, considering the implementation of the 'seamless travel' concept by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation at Pulkovo."

Foreign systems required lengthy and expensive certifications for the national solutions used in any given country — which, as a rule, made developing various services technically impractical. At Pulkovo, they have now implemented a class of solutions that interact via standard IATA protocols and do not require such certifications from each other, summarizes Andrey Nesterov.

"The implementation of the "AIST" platform at Pulkovo is an example of well-coordinated teamwork. The project was completed in an extremely tight timeframe thanks to close interaction with our colleagues at the airport, who actively helped us adapt our solution to the internal architecture of Pulkovo's information systems and business processes, facilitated interaction with airlines, and promptly ensured the readiness of equipment and workstations. For our company, this is one of the largest implementations of this class of solution in the domestic market. We are delighted that AIST will become one of the key tools in ensuring the passenger journey through the terminal complex, and we are confident that our platform will help maintain the highest standards of passenger service," notes Alexander Semchenko, CEO of Neolabs.

Pulkovo Airport is actively implementing its import substitution program. The airport operator is a member of the Industry Competence Center, where it is working on the task of transitioning the aviation industry to domestic technical solutions by 2025.

Source: Pulkovo Airport

The updated design on the terminal's displays and monitors remains in the contrasting blue-white-yellow color scheme, which matches the overall navigation design throughout the terminal and makes it easier to read the flight schedule.

Flight information is displayed statically and presented simultaneously in four languages — Belarusian, Russian, English, and Chinese — eliminating the need for frequent updates or switching screens for specific language versions.

Minsk National Airport places great emphasis on passenger comfort, continuously improving its internal services.

Source: Minsk National Airport

*In 2018, Minsk National Airport installed the "VESTNIK" audio information module, and now the airport operates a comprehensive system that enables efficient management of passenger information.

The number of external factors influencing the construction process broke all conceivable records — in addition to the epidemiological restrictions of 2020 and the geopolitical shifts of 2022, the project was accompanied by complex logistical conditions, organizational challenges, revisions to key equipment specifications due to the imposition of sanctions, and much more.

Significant changes were also made to the information systems supporting the airport's core business processes.

Alexander Peskov, Head of IT and Communications at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport JSC: "New geopolitical challenges forced us to take a very thorough approach to selecting the IT landscape for the new airport terminal. It had to be based on domestic information systems that ensure, on one hand, maximum quality and reliability of services for our passengers and operational departments, and on the other, the technological sovereignty of the terminal. In the area of passenger service software solutions — including passenger access control and electronic boarding pass systems, common-use platforms for airline applications, and audio and visual information systems — we chose Neolabs. They are a leader in this segment in the Russian Federation and have proven themselves as a reliable partner. Their solutions provide a high level of quality and fault tolerance, and have an intuitive user interface for the departments that operate them. These systems now manage over 24 check-in counters, 21 boarding gates, more than 5 sterile area access points, 100 information displays, and 16 main independent broadcast zones within the terminal."

Alexander Semchenko, CEO of Neolabs: "The Far East has long been a key region for our company — our solutions are already in operation at the airports of Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Blagoveshchensk, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. In fact, in 2022, we opened our first representative office in another city (Vladivostok) to ensure the fastest possible response to any emerging issues and the highest quality of service in the airports of this strategically important region for us.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport became a project of special importance and complexity for us: for the first time, we implemented our entire range of solutions simultaneously, interconnecting their operation and adapting them to the terminal's business processes and development strategy. We hope that, thanks to our well-coordinated work with our colleagues at the airport, passengers' journeys to this amazing region through the new modern terminal will be even more pleasant and convenient!"

In August 2023, Vladikavkaz International Airport implemented our "Special Control" system for managing electronic boarding passes and performing multi-factor passenger verification. Now, passengers who have checked in online no longer need to print their boarding passes. By presenting a special barcode on their smartphone, they can seamlessly proceed to the airport's sterile area and their departure gate. This significantly reduces the time required to complete all pre-flight formalities — from entering the passenger terminal to boarding the aircraft — and helps keep the Ossetian pie warm.

Vladikavkaz's air gateway has become the 11th airport within the "Novaport" holding and the 37th airport overall to utilize our company's solutions.

As part of the project, the airport's departments, in collaboration with the solution provider, launched over 50 workstations of the automated screening and electronic boarding pass system (PAX-Control) in just a few weeks, along with more than 400 check-in counters and boarding gates for the common-use platform enabling airline applications to interface with airport infrastructure (CUTE/CUPPS). All of this was achieved without interrupting passenger service processes and while maintaining the quality of services provided by Domodedovo Airport.

"The project is unique from every perspective. Firstly, for the first time in Russia, two key systems ensuring the passenger's digital journey through the terminal complex were implemented simultaneously across more than 450 workstations. Secondly, it was accomplished in the shortest possible timeframe for a project of this scale. Due to SITA ceasing service provision in Russia as of July 1st of this year, the bulk of the project work had to be completed in less than a month. Thirdly, no other airport in Russia has such a degree of automation for passenger clearance procedures using automatic gates (e-gates). Domodedovo has 130 devices of this type, installed both at the entrances to the sterile area and at every boarding gate in both segments of the terminal. And all these devices must operate under Neolabs' software to ensure a unified digital environment as passengers go through formal procedures in the terminal complex, " commented Alexander Semchenko, CEO of Neolabs.

"Before the project began, we faced both tactical and strategic objectives. Tactically, we needed to migrate passenger services to domestic software in the shortest possible time, while maintaining the highest level of service quality for our passengers. The transition to new systems had to remain unnoticed and painless, both for millions of travelers and for the international airlines operating flights from the airport. It was important for us not only not to lose the services and functionality we were accustomed to, but also to improve and develop the platform considering our wishes and needs, legal requirements, and the enterprise's changing IT landscape. Given the high tourist season and peak passenger traffic that coincided with the project dates, its implementation was extremely challenging. However, the joint efforts of the airport and the software manufacturer exceeded expectations — the air harbor successfully navigated the shutdown of foreign services and concluded the peak summer holiday season without any disruptions, " said Denis Yarygin, Managing Director of Domodedovo IT Services LLC.

Strategically, over recent years, Domodedovo Airport has been systematically moving towards automating processes within the terminal complex using advanced technologies. It advocates for the rapid adoption of biometric technologies to simplify formal procedures at airports and for the creation of "seamless travel corridors" that help minimize time spent on security screening, check-in, and boarding.

"The entire transport industry found itself in a situation where Western vendors left the country and refused to service their systems. Air transport and airports are no exception; in fact, they are a vivid example of how this problem can be solved in the shortest possible time. Solved effectively, not only without losing service quality, but by implementing solutions that in many ways surpass Western alternatives. Thus, the task of import substitution has been accomplished, and I am confident that these developments will be in demand not only by other airports in our country but also by friendly nations that may at any moment face the need to replace Western industry-specific software, " noted Polina Davydova, Director of the Association "Digital Transport and Logistics."

Source: AEX.RU

Thanks to this technology, passengers can now board their flights independently by scanning a boarding pass or a QR code on their mobile device. "The installation of automated turnstiles is part of the project to create a 'seamless' environment for passengers at Pulkovo Airport. It aims to increase the speed of pre-flight procedures through the automation of certain processes," the press service quotes Pavel Kushnirenko, Director of Ground Handling at Northern Capital Gateway (the airport's operator). According to him, the time spent on servicing passengers awaiting boarding will be reduced by 25%.

The electronic turnstiles installed at Pulkovo are manufactured by the Russian company "ELSI" in collaboration with the Iskander Group. Integrated into the devices is the "Special Control" mobile boarding pass system, developed by "Neolabs". After a passenger passes through the turnstile, the airport agent receives all the necessary information about them.

Earlier this year, Pulkovo also decided to expedite pre-flight security screening for business class passengers and holders of premium-level Gold and Platinum airline bonus cards on domestic flights. To do so, passengers need to present their boarding pass (electronic or paper) along with their passport at the first document check point before proceeding to security screening. It is expected that this privilege will eventually be extended to economy class passengers as well.

Text: Vedomosti

Video: телеканал «Санкт-Петербург»

We are proud to be part of the process that is fundamentally transforming civil aviation. Our "Special Control" hardware-software complex — a system for managing electronic boarding passes and performing multi-factor passenger verification — has, in recent years, become an integral part of the infrastructure at 24 airports across Russia and the CIS countries.

Every day, the system serves millions of passengers, ensuring a high level of security and convenience when completing necessary pre-flight formalities. Passengers who have checked in online no longer need to print their boarding passes. By presenting a special barcode on their smartphone screen, they can seamlessly proceed to the airport's "sterile" area and their departure gate. This allows passengers to save significant time and enjoy a positive service experience.

Passenger information at Uralsk International Airport named after Manshuk Mametova is now available in three languages: Kazakh, Russian, and English.

"VESTNIK" is managed centrally and enables targeted delivery of both visual and audio information to passengers throughout all airport terminals.

We wish all passengers at Uralsk Airport wonderful journeys and comfortable flights, and we hope that "VESTNIK" will become a useful and reliable assistant for you!

Passengers can obtain an electronic boarding pass simultaneously with online check-in for their flight, either on the airline's official website or via its mobile app. This information is then transmitted to the airport's information systems. At Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport, the database of passenger check-ins is maintained online, and boarding passes are verified using an automated control program in two stages.*

First, passengers must present their electronic boarding pass at the pre-flight security screening. An aviation security officer scans the QR code using a specialized device. Once inside the sterile area, passengers need to show the code again at the boarding gate. Here, the online document is verified by a check-in agent who also scans the electronic boarding pass, automatically transmitting passenger movement data into the system.

"This service helps our passengers save time during pre-flight procedures, eliminates the risk of losing or damaging a boarding pass, and reduces stress levels. For the airport, working with online boarding passes enhances our throughput capacity. We are committed to continuously improving the speed and quality of our services, especially as we anticipate significant growth in passenger traffic, " emphasized Danila Konovalov, Production Director at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport JSC.

If needed, travelers can also print a paper boarding pass. To do so, they can approach a passenger service agent at a check-in counter or use a self-service re-print kiosk. These self-service kiosks are available on the first and second floors of the terminal.

Source: AviaPort

*Since August 2023, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport has been operating the full range of "Neolabs" solutions, including the "Special Control" hardware-software complex for comprehensive multi-factor passenger data verification and electronic boarding pass management.

Electronic Boarding Passes Legally Equivalent to Paper for Expense Reports Starting March 2024

Starting in March 2024, electronic boarding passes will be legally equivalent to paper boarding passes and can be used for expense reporting purposes. This was announced by the Russian Ministry of Transport, citing clarifications from the Ministry of Finance.

"Starting March 2024, expenses related to the purchase of an air ticket can be reported using an electronic boarding pass* instead of a paper document. With this, the Russian Ministry of Transport, together with the Ministry of Finance of Russia, has removed all barriers to the widespread adoption of the electronic boarding pass in Russia, " the Ministry of Transport stated.

To confirm the fact of the flight, it is sufficient to provide the accounting department with an electronic boarding pass issued by the airline during online check-in, in addition to the electronic ticket. No additional stamps or marks, as were sometimes required on printed boarding passes, are necessary, the Ministry of Transport added, clarifying the new procedure.

"In the near future, the Russian Ministry of Transport will approve a standard form for the electronic boarding pass to be used by all airlines, " announced Dmitry Bakanov, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.

Source: AviaPort

*"Neolabs" solutions are currently operational in 43 airports across Russia and the CIS. In 21 of these airports, the "Special Control" software suite is used for comprehensive multi-factor passenger data verification and electronic boarding pass management. Consequently, these airports are fully prepared for this regulatory change, and passengers are already enjoying the convenience and positive service experience the system provides.

For more details on the implementation of the "Special Control" system and its significance for the air transport industry, please see our other news and case studies.

The dual-lane turnstiles manufactured by "ELSI", installed at the entrance to the airport's sterile area and operating under the control of the updated software, now differentiate between passengers departing on domestic and international flights.

Thus, the fast and convenient passage through border control, which already did not require airport staff assistance, is now complemented by a solution to the problem of "losing" passengers who might have ended up at the wrong departure terminal (international/domestic) as indicated on their ticket.

Krasnoyarsk International Airport has implemented our "AIST" platform — a common-use system enabling airline applications to interface with the airport's infrastructure. Over 70 workstations at check-in counters and boarding gates are now managed by this domestically developed solution, which supports applications from more than 10 major Russian and international airlines.

Why "AIST"? With foreign vendors having left the Russian market, deploying a proven domestic solution allows for the successful implementation of the import substitution policy. It ensures complete security and protection of personal data for Russian citizens. Furthermore, "AIST" can be promptly customized based on the airport's requests, and all support and documentation are available in Russian.

The platform enables airlines to operate from shared check-in counters and boarding gates, utilizing any peripheral equipment available at the airport: passport and boarding pass scanners, baggage tag and boarding pass printers. This increases the airport's throughput capacity by eliminating the need to dedicate counters to specific carriers and saving time otherwise spent on restarting applications and rebooting equipment. It also significantly reduces passenger check-in time.

Another important point: "AIST" creates a unified information space with the "Special Control" system (for multi-factor passenger document and data verification and electronic boarding pass management) and the "VESTNIK" system (for audio and visual passenger information). Both solutions have been operating successfully at Krasnoyarsk International Airport for over 5 years. Integrating all three systems has made it possible to form a unified digital passenger journey through the airport. This has qualitatively improved the operation and maintenance of related production systems and ensured a high level of passenger service quality.

We are grateful to the airport for their trust and are delighted to collaborate with such a wonderful team! We wish all passengers traveling through this air gateway comfortable flights and happy journeys!

The implementation of "Special Control" is a prime example of our successful and well-coordinated teamwork with our colleagues at the airport. Moreover, it's excellent news for passengers: going through pre-flight procedures has now become faster and more comfortable.

To obtain an electronic boarding pass, passengers simply need to check in for their flight online. Then, when going through security control and for boarding, they just show the pass on their smartphone screen. Previously, passengers were required to present a paper ticket both at the screening area (for stamping by airport staff) and at the aircraft gate.

We are delighted to be contributing to the development of the Russian air transport industry!

*The service is designed for passengers with carry-on luggage only — passengers with checked baggage still need to proceed to the check-in counter.

In combination with the new USPT reading devices from the Russian company "ELSI", "Special Control" now provides Border Control officers with comprehensive information on passengers on international flights, including passage timestamps, baggage screening status, and more.

At the same time, the workflow for Passenger Service agents has also become more efficient: when a passenger boards a flight, they can be assured that the individual has fully completed border control procedures.

The service allows passengers flying within Russia with only carry-on luggage to avoid printing a paper boarding pass. Instead, they can simply present an electronic boarding pass on their smartphone screen after checking in online. The implementation of this service has reduced pre-flight processing time, making the passenger journey more seamless.

The project was launched in March 2023 as part of the import substitution program that the airport is implementing within the Industry Competence Center. We were the primary participants: the core technology enabling this service is our "Special Control" system for managing electronic boarding passes and performing multi-factor passenger document and data verification.

We sincerely congratulate Northern Capital Gateway, the operator of Pulkovo Airport, on this well-deserved award and wish you every success in your future projects and in achieving your goals! May every step on this path be confident and fruitful, and may the results exceed all expectations!

The Digital TOP award is presented by the business daily "Delovoy Peterburg" for achievements in the field of digitalization.

We received the award in the "Alternative Breakthrough" category for the "Best Solution for Replacing Foreign Services" — our work was recognized among more than 400 participating companies.

We thank the award organizers for this high recognition and everyone who supported us!

The "Sprint to the Future – Code of Success" award was established by the Internet Initiatives Development Fund (IIDF) for graduates of the Sprint accelerator program. This accelerator is implemented by the IIDF with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation as part of the federal project "Digital Technologies" under the national program "Digital Economy of the Russian Federation."

Great news for those who use the airport's services: passengers on domestic flights can now use electronic boarding passes, making pre-flight procedures faster and more comfortable.

To get an electronic boarding pass, passengers simply need to check in online. Then, when going through security control and for boarding, they just show the pass on their smartphone screen. For comparison: previously, passengers were required to present a paper ticket at the screening area (for stamping) and then again at the aircraft gate.

Thank you to Baikal Airport for your trust and cooperation, and we wish all passengers traveling through this air gateway happy flights!

In December, a delegation from China visited the capital of the Krasnoyarsk Region. Representatives of the airport and the regional Tourist Information Center introduced their Chinese colleagues to the city's landmarks, showcased opportunities for tourism development, and discussed prospects for cooperation.

The delegation's program included a tour of Krasnoyarsk Airport. The guests from China not only highly praised the new terminal but also expressed their admiration for the navigation in their native language, which we had significantly enhanced shortly before their visit. It's gratifying that our work was noticed and evoked such positive emotions!

We are confident that the high-quality visual and audio information provided by our "VESTNIK" system contributes to the development of the tourist infrastructure of the Krasnoyarsk Region.

Employee workflows will become more efficient, and the passenger experience at the airport — from entering the terminal to completing all pre-flight procedures — will be significantly more comfortable.

"Special Control" is a system for multi-factor passenger document and data verification and mobile boarding pass management. To obtain an electronic boarding pass, passengers simply need to check in online. Then, when going through security control and for boarding, they just show the pass on their smartphone screen as a QR code.

"VESTNIK" is an integrated passenger information system. It is managed centrally and enables targeted delivery of visual and audio information to passengers.

We are confident that our digital solutions will not only help ensure the highest quality and reliability of services at the airport but will also make traveling through this air gateway an even more pleasant and memorable experience. Have a great flight!

Stavropol International Airport named after A.V. Suvorov has taken a major step towards enhancing passenger security and comfort — the Special control software suite, developed by Neolabs, has been implemented in the airport's new terminal.

The "Special Control" software suite is a modern solution for automated management of passenger screening areas. It is already successfully operating in 13 airports of the "Novaport" holding and other cities across Russia, with a total of 25 installations to date.

Key features of the solution:

• Accelerated screening procedures: Works with electronic boarding passes, allowing passengers to forgo paper boarding passes.
• Enhanced security: Provides control at all stages of passenger passage, with data logging.
• Staff convenience: Automates routine operations and provides real-time analytics.

The implementation of the" Special Control" system aligns with the airport's strategy to develop as a key transport hub in Southern Russia. Modern technologies not only help improve service but also ensure compliance with stringent transportation safety requirements.

Neolabs continues to expand its implementation footprint, reinforcing its status as one of the leaders in solutions for the aviation industry.

Stay tuned for more news — there are even more technological updates ahead!

Magadan, one of Russia's most remote regions, relies on aviation not merely as a mode of transport, but as a vital link to the rest of the country. Magadan Airport (Sokol) serves as the main air gateway, handling passenger traffic under the harsh conditions of the Far North.

To enhance the quality and speed of service in these challenging conditions, Neolabs has implemented its "Special Control" software suite at Magadan Airport.

Our solution automates key pre-flight procedures: passengers will now be able to pass through security screening and board their flights using only the QR code from their boarding pass on their smartphone — a printed paper pass is no longer required. The system can also be integrated with turnstiles and e-gates, further expediting the passenger journey into the sterile area.

The implementation of this domestically developed solution will make travel more convenient for residents of Kolyma and airport operations more efficient.

Key Benefits of the Implementation:

· Shared Infrastructure: Airlines can use common check-in counters and boarding gates without the need for equipment reconfiguration.

· Peripheral Compatibility: The platform works seamlessly with document scanners, baggage tag printers, and boarding pass printers.

· Integration with Other Systems: As part of future development, "AIST" will be able to interact with the "Special Control" and "VESTNIK" solutions, creating a unified digital passenger journey.

· New Functionality: A new feature has been implemented enabling the printing of boarding passes using Re-print kiosks, based on mobile boarding pass data and flight parameters received from the AODB.

"It is important for us that the transition to domestic software not only aligns with the import substitution strategy but also enhances the quality of services. The "AIST" platform has already proven its reliability in other airports, and we are confident in its effectiveness, " noted Marina Saparova, IT Director at Kazan International Airport named after G.M. Tukay.

"The implementation at Kazan Airport is another step towards the technological independence of the industry. The solution is adapted to meet the requirements of airports of any scale, is ready for individual customization, and is designed for future integration with biometric systems, " added Alexander Semchenko, CEO of "Neolabs".

Izhevsk Airport, located in the capital of Udmurtia—a city widely renowned as a center of Russian engineering and the birthplace of the legendary Kalashnikov rifle—has taken a significant step towards enhancing its operational efficiency and security. This has been made possible by the successful implementation of a suite of advanced software products from "Neolabs".

As part of this modernization, three key systems have been integrated:

• "AIST"- Common Use Passenger Processing System: A unified passenger terminal system that allows any airline to operate at check-in counters and boarding gates using any AEA-compliant equipment.
• “Special Control”-PAX-Control: Ensures security and a seamless passenger journey from the airport entrance to boarding the aircraft using an electronic boarding pass.
• "VESTNIK"- Passenger information system : The voice and face of the airport, creating a comfortable environment for passengers through precise visual and audio announcements.

The implementation of these solutions will enable Izhevsk Airport to significantly accelerate routine operations, minimize human error, and offer passengers a more comfortable and secure experience. Process automation contributes to an overall increase in service quality and compliance with modern aviation industry requirements, demonstrating the city's commitment to innovation not only in the industrial sector but also in the transport sector.

Murmansk — the capital of the Arctic and the largest city beyond the Arctic Circle — has taken another step into the future. This year, the implementation of the domestically developed "Special Control" software suite from "Neolabs" was completed at Murmansk Airport named after Nicholas II Romanov. The system, which already operates in the country's leading aviation hubs, now provides digital comfort for passengers in the harsh conditions of the Kola Peninsula.

This airport is a key transport hub and a base port for the development of the Arctic, including the legendary Northern Sea Route. Murmansk Airport plays a strategic role, connecting residents and visitors of the region not only with Moscow and St. Petersburg but also with the hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic zone.

The implemented "Special Control" system fully digitizes the process of completing pre-flight formalities. There is no longer any need to look for a printer to get a paper boarding pass: passengers now go through all stages — from entering the sterile area to boarding — using a QR code on their smartphone screen.

The implementation of "Special Control" in Murmansk is an important step in our strategy to digitalize regional airports across Russia. We are delighted that residents and guests of the capital of the Polar Region can now experience the convenience of a seamless passenger journey, and that the airport itself has gained a modern tool for passenger flow management.

Now, whether arriving in the rugged yet hospitable Murmansk for its renowned fish delicacies or an excursion to see the northern lights, travelers begin their acquaintance with the region with advanced comfort technologies.

We announce the successful commissioning of the "VESTNIK" integrated passenger information system at Gorno-Altaysk Airport. The airport, gateway to a picturesque region whose pristine nature and cultural heritage attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, has now not only implemented an advanced technological solution but also adapted it to the specifics of a rapidly developing tourist hub.

One of the greatest assets of the Altai Mountains is its serene, almost mystical silence. The "VESTNIK" system allows the airport to harmoniously integrate into this context by implementing the advanced "Silent Airport" concept. Intelligent automation reduces the number of general public address announcements throughout the terminal, ensuring a calm and peaceful atmosphere. At the same time, all passengers receive critically important information for them in real-time, including via visual flight information displays (FIDS). Targeted voice messages are broadcast precisely, only in the necessary zones — for example, to page a late passenger or announce an additional baggage screening.

The modernization of Gorno-Altaysk Airport with the "VESTNIK" system is an example of how advanced technologies can enhance the uniqueness of a place, rather than diminish it. Our team has made the main air gateway to Altai not only more technologically advanced and welcoming for every traveler but also more comfortable. The implemented system provides a reliable foundation for the development of this transport hub, matching the growing status of the Altai Republic as one of Russia's key tourist destinations.

Last year, we actively participated as the core airport technology platform in the trial of the passenger biometric identification project at Pulkovo Airport, conducted by the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation and the Biometric Technologies Center. The new "MIGOM" system, work on which began at the airport in early 2025, enables passengers to check in for flights, pass through pre-flight security, and board domestic flights using their biometric data.

A Glimpse into the Future of Air Travel

As part of the trial, overseen by the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, a comprehensive technology for end-to-end passenger identification was successfully tested at Pulkovo Airport — from the moment of check-in and entry into the pre-security zone to boarding the aircraft.

In the initial phase, passengers' facial and palm data were used for identification. The technology demonstrated significant public interest: according to a survey conducted by the HSE University, over 60% of passengers on domestic flights from St. Petersburg are willing to use biometrics to expedite procedures.

Development and Scaling Plans

According to a draft government resolution published in late 2025, the pilot biometric boarding service is planned to be launched in full-scale operation at Pulkovo Airport between 2026 and 2027. By 2030, barrier-free access using biometrics is expected to become available at airports across Russia.

Crucially, the system will maintain an alternative: passengers will always have the choice to go through control using a traditional passport or their biometric data. This is particularly important for passengers with children and those who prefer conventional methods.

Neolabs' Contribution

Our solution, the "Special Control" software suite already in operation at the airport, served as the key technology platform, linking the airport's operational processes with the biometric identification and passenger access control technologies based on its outcomes.