Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is set to launch the self-bag drop serve on a trial basis this month, according to a senior Korean aviation official.

Speaking at the Future of Borders International Conference in Dubai, Jung June, executive director for Public Relations Group at the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), said the self-bag drop service pilot operations will cover selected flights of Eva Air (EA), Korean Air (KE) and Asiana Airlines (OZ).

The two-day conference, which concluded today (March12) had a line-up of 24 speakers from 12 countries, including ACI and Iata representatives.

The pilot project is part of the expansion programme for the innovative U-Airport services that the airport has been pursuing over the past few years as part of the passenger flow management system and easing passenger facilitation at one of the world’s leading international airports, said a statement.

The passengers flying with Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will be the first to be able to make use of the new system, which will allow them to complete bag tagging and bag drop in a one-step process, it said.

The Self-Service Zone and Passenger Flow Management System are designed to enhance security and reduce passenger waiting time.

Visual congestion info and queue measurement sensor are part of the Smart airport project.

Incheon is the main hub for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines it offers flight destinations throughout the globe.

“Airport is no longer a mere gateway to another country. Passengers want some new experience and excitement. Airtainment is the new trend in aviation industry. One extra hour is an additional value to passengers to rest, relax, shopping and cultural experience. We have a set a common goal to shorten the processing time and enhance service performance,” said June.

The airport was aiming to process 95 per cent of passengers in departures within 45 minutes as against the ICAO’s standard of 60 minutes from check-in to passport, he said. Similarly, processing of 95 per cent of arrival passengers will be reduced to 40 minutes as against 45 minutes set by ICAO.

The U-Airport concept has been designed to reduce passenger processing time and make new value for passengers, said June.

“Continuous collaboration of stakeholders is the key to successful operation of airport involving various stakeholders. Outstanding performance and mutual growth could be achieved through harmonious collaboration. We have to motivate airport employees with shared goal and strong communication channel. Passenger satisfaction comes from the heart, not from the brain,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service