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Self-bag Drop Solution Lowers Check-in Time by 60% at Dublin Airport

January 10, 2017
Business Aviation News
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Rockwell Collins' Bag Drop technology in action | Business Aviation NewsA two-phase project at Dublin Airport has seen a dramatic reduction in passenger check-in times with the introduction of Rockwell Collins’ ARINC vMUSE, self-service kiosks and the latest bag drop solutions.

Frances O’Brien, VP PMO at DAA (Dublin Airport Authority), spearheaded a campaign to streamline airport operations to address the challenges she recognised within the airport. Speaking about the implementation of CUPPS by Rockwell Collins in 2015/16, she said, ‘We worked with Rockwell Collins to implement systems that enable our airlines to share workstations, helping us make the best use of our current resources. As we embarked on this new initiative, our existing relationship plus Rockwell Collins’ extensive industry expertise made them the right partner for us.’

The first phase of the project began in December 2015, with the introduction of 19 Common-Use workstations. This quickly expanded to 64 units through spring 2016 with no issues, described by O’Brien as ‘a painless process.’

The self-service bag drop stations now number 20 in Ryanair’s hub, Terminal 1, and 16 in the Aer Lingus check-in area in Terminal 2. Jim Rogers, the Aer Lingus bag tag and drop off project manager said, ‘Some of our guests have told us that this technology is a key differentiator on whether they would fly with Aer Lingus again. Our fleet size is increasing by about 10 percent this year, and this type of technology allows us to increase throughput without capital expenditure on building and facilities.’

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC vMUSE Passenger Processing for Berlin Schonefeld

March 22, 2016
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baggage-drop-system-gatwickPassengers at Berlin Schonefeld Airport (SXF) will soon benefit from an efficient check-in and security experience with the implementation of Rockwell Collins’ ARINC vMUSE common use passenger processing solution.

Due to growth over the past few years, SXF realised they needed a solution to increase the efficiency of their passenger processing system without creating additional expense for infrastructure at the airport. ARINC vMUSE common use system delivers the enhanced solution, which can also reduce the need for dedicated airline check-in counters, and can pave the way for self-service baggage handling and passenger check-in, using multiple airline bag drop and passenger processing.

All over the world, common use systems are saving valuable terminal space and reducing operational costs while increasing efficiency as passenger growth continues at an average rate of 5% per year.

Edinburgh Airport Introduces New Bag Drop System

March 24, 2014
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Single Bag Drop Solutions for Multi-Airline UtilisationEdinburgh airport has become the first to bring multi-airline bag drop system operation to the UK in a move that has seen them install ten, new self-service kiosks and web-based software that operates a fully common, shared bag drop facility for its passengers.

Operated by EasyJet and FlyBe, passengers will retain control of their entire check-in experience, from online check-in and self-printed boarding pass to baggage weigh in and luggage tag attachment, when they will be directed to a drop off point to dispatch their luggage.
Although new to Edinburgh and the UK, this system is in operation in CUTE platforms across the world and is designed to streamline airport operations. Using common-use functions for bag drop system operation speeds up the check-in process and allows cost-sharing within the terminal, also freeing up premium space.

This is just the beginning for Edinburgh airport, as they plan to continue a programme of investment for the installation of the latest technological solutions. Later this year, they plan to carry out a trial for a baggage storage facility, where passengers will be able to check-in luggage in advance of the flight.

David Wilson, chief operating officer at Edinburgh Airport, says: “New ownership has allowed us to be creative in the way we look at the check-in process. A huge amount of research, engagement and investment has gone into this new process and we’re delighted to officially launch the first multi-airline common bag drop facility in the UK with our partners at easyJet and Flybe.

Munich Airport Baggage Handling System Contract Awarded to Siemens

August 9, 2013
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Germany’s Munich Airport has awarded the contract for their new baggage handling system in terminal 2 to Siemens, it was recently announced.

baggage handling systemThe airport plans to increase the capacity of their baggage handling system as they expect passenger numbers to rise significantly by 2015.  Once the new building is completed, it will enable a passenger throughflow of up to 11 million additional yearly passengers.

“In this way, our customers can ensure the same reliability and speed as before, despite the growing volume of traffic and stricter security requirements,” said Siemens Business Unit Logistics and Airport Solutions CEO Jorg Ernst.

The project will be launched in three phases over the next two years and is expected to enhance operational productivity for the airport by a third upon completion of the entire new project, making Munich Airport one of the most efficient in Europe.

Other Automated Baggage Handling System providers such as ARINC Inc realise that the global self-service check-in revolution is definitely the way forward.  Passenger experience is greatly enhanced, giving the passenger more control over their journey and reducing waiting times, while airports feel the benefit of improved efficiency, cost effectivity and better use of terminal space.

Japanese Airports to Implement ARINC vMUSE Solutions

July 23, 2013
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Naha Airport vMUSEAs the passenger pool at Okinawa and Kagoshima airports grows, the decision to implement ARINC’s vMUSE, common bag drop and check-in solutions will help to streamline airport operations.

Mr Michael DiGeorge, MD of ARINC Asia Pacific said, “Airports in the region are demanding a common-use solution that is scalable with their operations and allows them to take advantage of all the benefits afforded at larger sites while meeting budget requirements.  As the industry’s leading innovator, ARINC is providing this solution and remains committed to meeting the needs of airports of all sizes, as passenger traffic continues to grow and airlines increase the number of destinations to meet passenger demand.”

The innovative vMUSE solutions from ARINC will reduce costs by sharing airport resources with offsite servers than can be accessed from anywhere in the world, using any device.

Previous passenger processing systems revMusequire multiple check-in facilities that are airline specific.  The vMUSE platform allows the sharing of passenger information across multiple airlines from one desk, ensuring increased flexibility in airports with limited floor space.

The common bag drop solutions offer self-service check-in that can enhance passenger experience, increase operation productivity and, in essence revenue for the airports.

Photo credit: Hyougushi / Foter / CC BY-SA

Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport Trial Automated Baggage Scan System

June 6, 2013
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Ben-Gurion International Airport in Israel is going to trial a new automated baggage security system which is hoped will shorten waiting times for passengers during security checks.  The system will scan, using an automated baggage system, for explosives and other potentially dangerous material, separating those bags for further screening, before delivering the cleared baggage for loading onto the aircraft.

The new system should help to streamline airport operations and enhance passenger experience, while maintaining strict pre-flight security.

Worldwide, airports are realising the increased efficiency of automated operations, including passenger processing and the groundbreaking self-service check-in and automated baggage drop solutions. 

It is easy to see, with current industry-leaders offering technologically advanced check-in and baggage solutions on the ground and in the air, that the future of airline travel could be fully automated, safe and with reduced waiting times.

automated baggage scan

ARINC Asia Pacific at FTE Asia Conference

May 2, 2013
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ARINC have announced that Michael DiGeorge MD of ARINC’s Asia Pacific will speak at the Future Travel Experience Conference, hosted in Hong Kong’s Asia World Expo.

ARINC will be exhibiting their latest developments in Common Bag Drop solutions and innovations such as Roving Agent and VeriPax, the Passenger Reconciliation System.

Mr DiGeorge will moderate a working panel session to highlight the theme of the event, which is ways to facilitate rapid passenger growth, while enhancing the passenger experience by speeding up processing of those passengers and their baggage.

ARINC’s common bag drop solutions include the Self-Service Baggage Drop desks, which give the passenger greater control of their journey, enabling them to check-in online, and then process their own baggage at these dedicated points, used for multiple airlines.  Passengers can tag their own baggage, drop their baggage and save time queuing, also helping airport terminals to save valuable space and giving them greater flexibility with staffing, removing the need for airline dedicated desks.

Mr DiGeorge said, “I am pleased to be sharing strategies to help airlines and airports make the best possible decisions regarding passenger and baggage processing methods.”

Easy Jet Replaces Check In With Bag Drop Desks

March 25, 2013
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Bag Drop Desks

Bag Drop Desks

Since the announcement from EasyJet of the imminent closure of their check-in desks, replacing them, instead with bag drop desks, the face of airline travel is set to change.

More than 80% of airline passengers now choose to check-in online and can do so from 30 days before departure to 2 hours before the flight, printing their boarding passes at home.

This innovation spells the end of the ritual of the queue at check-in desks at airports around the world, ultimately reducing airport congestion and speeding up the entire process of check-in, with the potential of increasing operational efficiency and productivity for airlines.

Bag drop desks do not have to be airline-specific.  ARINC have developed ExpressDrop desks, for use by passengers who have checked in online, travelling with various airlines, providing a single drop-off point to simplify, expedite and offer passengers an enhanced experience with greater control.

The idea is not a new one, by any means.  Ryanair closed their airport check-in desks in 2009, but does charge passengers inordinate fees if they forget to check-in online.

Another advantage to the introduction of ExpressDrop or other bag drop desks, is that waiting times are reduced.  This will produce great sighs of relief for travellers, who may arrive at the gate as late as 30 minutes before departure.

Hitch with Baggage Handling?

January 11, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Chaos at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport in Dhaka was observed after a seven hour strike largely by ground handlers which led to approximately 3,000 passengers experiencing untold suffering. Civil Aviation Minister Faruk Khan warmed that if the ground handler failed in its responsibilities then the government would have no other option but to replace it.

Ground handling involves providing cabin services, catering, ramp services and passenger services. In Hazrat Shahjalal, Biman is the handling agent specifically for baggage handling and continually shows poor performance

At Dhaka baggage is brought to the delivery carousel from the arriving aircrafts in wheeled containers and unloaded by hand at the carousel point.  Most of the time baggage arrives and is ready to be picked up to an hour or more. If two or three wide-bodied aircrafts lands one after the other, it could be total pandemonium. In several other international airports procedures are such that a passenger could be eligible for compensation if their baggage takes more than 20 minutes to arrive at the baggage carousel.

The government is reported to be switching to an automated baggage handling system. It is trying to introduce a computerised Baggage Reconciliation system which will reduce mishandling of luggage. Sophisticated machines designed for baggage handling, including loading and unloading, will be introduced. This measure is expected to reduce loss or damage and will speed up dispatch and receipt of baggage..

Next Generation Self-service Bag Drop

October 25, 2012
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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol provides one of Europe’s best reference sites for self-service bag drop and 12 units are in place in Departure Hall 2.

ICM Airport Technics has supplied its self-service baggage drop system to Qantas as part of the airline’s Next Generation Check-In programme.

ICM Airport Technics has supplied its self-service baggage drop system to Qantas as part of the airline’s Next Generation Check-In programme.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol provides one of Europe’s best reference sites for self-service bag drop and this year, 6 new self-service bag drop systems were introduced in Departure Hall 2, taking the total number to 12. Among the latest airports to announce an intention to implement such systems is Bologna Airport, which is expected to complete the installation of 14 units by mid-2013. Aéroports de Paris has also successfully installed a system at Paris-Orly and will soon be extended to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

The benefits of allowing passengers to take charge of the check-in and bag drop process themselves are clear. For the airline it means fewer agents are needed, passenger processing is faster and congestion around check-in desks is reduced. For the airport, it enhances the check-in capacity, reduces operational costs and allows for the optimisation of existing space. Airports and airlines need to decide whether to implement a one- or two-step solution. The first option allows the process of printing and attaching bag tags and depositing the bag into the system, completed in a single transaction. The second requires the passenger to print their bag tags at a self-service kiosk, before depositing their bag at a separate location.

As Vaessen explained, the implementation at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol makes use of the one-step process. “There were two main reasons for using one-step. The first was our home check-in passengers. More than 50% of our passengers check-in at home, so we didn’t want all of these to still have to go to a kiosk when they arrive at the airport and we simply wouldn’t have enough room for all of the kiosks. The one-step or two-step process depends very much on the infrastructure of the airport.”

The implementation by Qantas, ICM Airport Technics’ two-step solution is now operated across 8 airport terminals in Australia and London Heathrow a total of 84 units. Duncan Watson, Qantas Head of Global Marketing Operations uses the two-step process, explained that the process “maximises the available real estate for the airport departures concourse”. He added: “The two-stage process results in significant savings in both expenditure and footprint. It is better for the passenger to spend two minutes in Area A and subsequently 30 seconds in Area B, compared to two-and-a-half minutes in a single stage process.”

One product available for self service check-in is ARINC’s ExpressDropTM, the world’s first common bag drop application for passengers who have already checked in on the Web, at a self-service kiosk or on their mobile phone. For more details please visit the ARINC ExpressDropTMsite.