This week the focus is on airlines –Virgin Austraila’s trialing the world’s first pop-up flight check-in, and KLM piloting the new WhatsApp service to its customers.
TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY: Pop-up flight check-in debuts in Sydney, Virgin Australia first to test service
Virgin Australia first airline to use pop-up flight check-in for cruise ships and oceanliners in Sydney (Image credit: Moisseyev/iStock)
Queuing at airports to check in your flight will soon be a thing of the past with the launch of the world’s first pop-up check-in service in Sydney, Australia.
The new system enables travellers to check-in and drop their bags off anytime, anywhere before being reunited with their luggage at their destination.
This technology is made possible with Amadeus and Australian logistics company, Off Airport Check-in Solutions (OACIS), joining forces to reinvent the check-in experience. They hope the new service will ease the strain at airports, as global passenger trafffic expected to grow 5.2% yearly until 2029.
Using Amadeus’ Airport Common Use Service (ACUS) cloud technology OACIS provides travellers with an off-airport, fully mobile check-in service that can be set up at any location – whether it be a cruise terminal, hotel, train station, or a major conference or event.
OACIS checks-in the traveller and their luggage, securely transports their bags to the airport and transfer them directly into the airport baggage system.
As Amadeus ACUS allows airline passenger processing systems to be accessed from anywhere on demand, OACIS can access any airline’s check-in systems in the cloud with just a laptop and internet connectivity.
Virgin Australia is the first airline to adopt this new technology, and has already piloted it in Sydney for cruise ships and oceanliners.
Apart from servicing different locations, the technology can facilitate check-ins for big groups travelling together including tours, corporates, schools and sports teams.
OACIS has plans to expand the service to New Zealand and other markets in the next 12 to 18 months.
Matthew Lee, CEO of OACIS, said the flight pop-up check-in is about giving people more freedom, flexibility and fun so they get the most out of their travel.
“Travellers can drop off their bags at a convenient location, make the most of their day luggage-free, breeze through the airport without having to queue at the check-in desk, and enjoy their flight knowing their bags will be ready for them at their destination.”
Added Sarah Samuel, head of airport IT sales at Amadeus, Asia Pacific: “Through this partnership, airlines are no longer restricted in the way they manage passenger flow. With OACIS, they can be agile in their service offerings, avoid queues and congestion, and create a better traveller experience.”
Airlines may be able to do away with the airport check-in desk in the future, opening up that space for other revenue opportunities, she added.
AVIATION: KLM pilots programme to deliver flight information via WhatsApp
KLM guests can now use WhatsApp to check flight information (Image credit: KLM)
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which has gained a reputation as a pioneer in social media services and campaigns, is giving its customers another new way to connect with it – accessing flight information through WhatsApp Messenger.
The instant messaging service is testing ways for businesses to communicate with customers using the app, and has created an enterprise solution for companies like KLM to connect with their guests in a fast and personal way.
The airline’s customers worldwide can receive booking confirmation, check-in notifications, boarding pass and flight status updates in 10 different languages on the messaging app via the official WhatsApp business app. They are also able to ask questions about their flight.
The service is available to customers who book tickets or check in via KLM.com and opt-in to receive information via the messaging service.
KLM said it is “is one of the first companies and the very first airline worldwide with a verified WhatsApp business account.”
The pilot programme is being rolled out in a limited number of countries, with more to be added in the coming weeks.
• Featured image credit: MuchMania/iStock
