CUPPS — Common Use Passenger Processing Systems

CUPPS — Common Use Passenger Processing Systems

CUPPS is IATA's framework standard for modernising airport common-use infrastructure. It succeeds the legacy CUTE standard for agent-operated check-in and gate positions. CUSS remains a separate but complementary standard covering passenger-operated self-service kiosks.

Relationship with CUTE and CUSS

CUTE has been the foundational standard for airport common-use systems for decades. CUSS was developed as a complementary standard specific to self-service kiosks. CUPPS modernises the agent-side common-use layer; CUSS handles the self-service side. The two standards are complementary and maintained separately by IATA.

Architectural Approach

CUPPS allows an airline application to operate independently of kiosk or counter hardware. An airline develops a CUPPS-compliant client application and connects to any CUPPS platform. This approach reduces vendor lock-in risk.

ACI Coordination

Although the CUPPS standard was developed under IATA leadership, ACI (Airports Council International) has fed airport operator requirements into the standard process. CUPPS compliance has become a critical criterion for long-term vendor independence in airport technology investment planning.

Migration Timeline

Many major airports still operate on CUTE 3.x infrastructure. The transition to CUPPS is progressing gradually as it requires hardware and software renewal investment.