Ruth Haines
Dot matrix printers are still used at airport gates due to their compatibility with legacy backend airline systems, their ability to print on continuous paper, and their durability. These printers use hammers and a ribbon to form images from dots, and their output format is suited to the older systems that airlines use. They can also handle large volumes of paperwork, which is common at airport gates, and are more cost-effective than laser or inkjet printers. While some crew members express frustration with dot matrix printers, they remain a reliable and economical choice for the aviation industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Third-party software is used to make the printer user-friendly |
| Speed | They are faster than modern printers when printing carbon copies |
| Durability | They are robust, economical, and can take more abuse than other types of printers |
| Compatibility | They are compatible with legacy backend systems and software |
| Cost | They are cheaper to buy and maintain than modern printers |
| Paper format | They can print on continuous paper, which is easier to handle than individual pages |
| Connectivity | They do not require high-speed internet connections |
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What You'll Learn
They are robust, durable and economical
Dot matrix printers are still used in airports because they are robust, durable, and economical. These printers have been described as "clunky and noisy", yet they are resilient and consistently work. Their ability to take abuse is higher than that of other printers, and they are also economical in terms of supplies.
The use of dot matrix printers in airports can be partly attributed to the nature of the printing process. These printers use hammers and a ribbon to form images from dots, with the dot hammers pressing the ribbon into the paper to release ink. This allows for the creation of continuous printouts that don't need pagination, which is advantageous in an airport setting where large amounts of paperwork are handled by multiple personnel. The long sheets of printed paper are easier to manage than individual pages, especially during the last-minute rush to board a flight.
The robustness and durability of dot matrix printers contribute to their longevity in airport settings. Despite being considered outdated technology, these printers continue to function effectively, even in demanding environments. Their compatibility with legacy backend systems and software further extends their usefulness. However, it's worth noting that some airport staff express frustration with the printers, citing issues like faded printouts and slow printing speeds.
The economical aspect of dot matrix printers lies in their low printing costs and the ability to create carbon copies. While modern printers like laser and inkjet printers offer higher print quality, they often require expensive supplies like cartridges. In contrast, dot matrix printers are relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain, making them a cost-effective choice for airports, especially when considering the volume of printing required for various processes.
The decision to continue using dot matrix printers in airports is often driven by practicality and cost-effectiveness. Despite their outdated appearance and the availability of newer printing technologies, dot matrix printers remain reliable and well-suited to the specific needs of airport operations. However, as technology advances, airports may need to weigh the benefits of these robust and durable printers against the potential gains in efficiency and print quality offered by modern alternatives.
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They are compatible with legacy backend systems
Dot matrix printers are still used in airports because they are compatible with legacy backend systems. These printers have been a staple in the aviation industry for decades, and their continued use is largely due to the industry's reliance on outdated software and hardware.
The airline industry operates with a vast number of moving parts, and at its core is a system called CRS (Computer Reservation System), which is associated with a GDS (Global Distribution System). This system has not changed significantly since its development in the 1960s, and its print output format is compatible with dot matrix printers.
Upgrading to modern printers would require significant investments in software adaptations and recoding. Airlines would need to re-code their mainframe software to generate the PostScript output required by modern laser printers, which is a costly and time-consuming endeavour. Additionally, dot matrix printers are known for their durability and low printing costs, further reinforcing their continued use.
The use of dot matrix printers also extends beyond the aviation industry. Government offices, car dealerships, and even DMV offices continue to rely on these printers due to their compatibility with legacy systems and the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. While modern printers offer advantages in terms of speed and print quality, the compatibility and durability of dot matrix printers in the context of legacy backend systems cannot be overlooked.
While there is a growing trend towards digitalisation and electronic communication, the compatibility of dot matrix printers with legacy systems remains a key factor in their persistent use within the aviation industry and beyond. However, as technology advances and standards evolve, we may see a gradual shift away from these printers as organisations update their backend systems and processes.
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They can print on carbon paper
Dot matrix printers are still used in airports because they are compatible with the backend systems of airlines. They are also reliable, durable, and economical. However, they are often frustrating to use due to their slow printing speed and low resolution, which results in faded printouts.
Dot matrix printers are particularly useful for printing on carbon paper, which is still used in shipping and receiving. Carbon paper is a type of paper that creates carbon copies, meaning that notes written on the top copy will appear on the bottom copy. This is useful for creating multiple copies of the same document, such as release and manifest paperwork in the airline industry.
While laser and inkjet printers can be used for printing on carbon paper, they have some limitations. Laser and inkjet printers do not apply mechanical pressure to the paper, which is required for carbon-copy printing. As a result, the only option is to print the form multiple times, which can be inconvenient and wasteful.
Dot matrix printers, on the other hand, use mechanical pressure to create carbon copies. They have hammers or pins that press the ribbon into the paper, releasing ink. This impact method of printing allows dot matrix printers to create carbon copies more effectively than laser or inkjet printers.
In summary, while dot matrix printers may be outdated and frustrating to use, they remain valuable in airports and the airline industry due to their compatibility with legacy systems and their ability to print on carbon paper, which is still commonly used for certain applications, such as shipping and receiving.
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They are faster than modern printers
Despite being considered outdated, dot matrix printers are still used at airports because they are faster than modern printers in certain contexts. Dot matrix printers use hammers and a ribbon to form images from dots, with the dot hammers pressing the ribbon into the paper to release the ink. This allows for the creation of continuous printouts without the need for pagination, which is advantageous for producing lengthy documents such as flight manifests, maintenance documents, and release paperwork. The ability to generate carbon copies (two, three, or even four) of forms simultaneously further contributes to their speed and efficiency.
The speed and practicality of dot matrix printers are particularly evident when compared to laser printers. Laser printers often require specific types of paper to ensure reliable performance, whereas dot matrix printers offer more flexibility in this regard. Additionally, the fan-fold paper produced by dot matrix printers is challenging to replicate with laser printers without investing in higher-end models with integrated staplers or finishers, which can be costly to implement at every gate.
The compatibility of dot matrix printers with legacy backend systems further contributes to their speed advantage. Airlines often utilize mainframe software for dispatch and gate processes that are decades old. Upgrading to modern printers would require significant investments in recoding and software adaptations, which can be time-consuming and expensive. As a result, it becomes more economical to continue using dot matrix printers with existing systems, especially considering the vast amount of paperwork involved in each flight.
Moreover, dot matrix printers excel in low-connectivity environments. In outstations with limited connectivity, dot matrix printers can efficiently generate flight paperwork using terminal-emulated systems and CRT-attached printers. In contrast, modern fully graphical setups demand higher capacity networks, which may not be feasible or cost-effective for infrequent use. Thus, the ability to operate effectively in such conditions underscores the speed and reliability of dot matrix printers.
While some crew members express frustration with dot matrix printers, citing issues like faded printouts and slow printing speeds, others recognize their resilience and consistency. Ultimately, the continued use of dot matrix printers in airports highlights the balance between technological advancements and practical considerations, with speed and compatibility playing pivotal roles in their persistence.
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They are reliable and produce long printouts
Dot matrix printers are reliable and produce long printouts, making them ideal for the high-volume, time-sensitive demands of airport operations. These printers are known for their durability and consistent performance, ensuring that critical information can be accessed even in locations with limited connectivity.
The ability to produce long printouts is advantageous in airport settings, where multiple copies of lengthy documents, such as flight manifests, maintenance reports, and passenger information, are often required. Dot matrix printers can generate continuous printouts without the need for pagination, reducing the risk of dropped or misplaced pages in the fast-paced airport environment.
The reliability of dot matrix printers is a crucial factor in their continued use in airports. These printers have a simple design, with hammers pressing a ribbon into paper to form images from dots, and are less prone to paper jams compared to modern printers. Their compatibility with legacy software and systems, such as the industry-standard CRS, further contributes to their reliability in airport settings.
The longevity and consistency of dot matrix printers make them a dependable choice for airports, despite their outdated appearance and noise. While newer printers may offer higher print quality, dot matrix printers' reliability and ability to produce long printouts efficiently and economically make them a practical solution for the unique demands of airport operations.
Additionally, dot matrix printers offer the ability to create carbon copies, which are still relevant in shipping and receiving processes. While digital transmission is supplementary, many jurisdictions continue to require paper copies, and dot matrix printers efficiently produce the necessary long printouts for various airport procedures.
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Frequently asked questions
Dot matrix printers are durable, economical, and consistently work. They are also compatible with the legacy backend systems that many airlines use.
Dot matrix printers are clunky, noisy, and slow. They can also be hard to read due to faded printouts.
Laser printers and inkjet printers are alternatives to dot matrix printers.
Upgrading to a new system would require a significant investment in recoding the mainframe software that runs many dispatch and gate processes. Additionally, laser and inkjet printers require more processing and are more expensive to maintain.
Dot matrix printers are generally more reliable and require less maintenance. They are also better suited for printing on fan-fold paper, which is useful for applications that require multiple copies, such as carbon copy forms.
