Airport News

Airport News

Passengers departing from Singapore Changi Airport can look forward to a speedier and more flexible check-in experience.

The operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has commenced a phased approach to implementing self-service initiatives in its departure halls, with a trial with Jetstar Asia as its airline partner.

This is part of the fast and seamless travel at Changi programme, which CAG plans to roll out progressively including in the new Terminal 4.

The on-going trial of a number of self-service functions includes check-in, bag tagging and bag drop, and will run until August 2014, and enable CAG to assess improvements and adjustments needed for the hardware and software of the various systems.

Feedback from passengers will also be sought to fine-tune the operations and processes to achieve a better user experience.

Two self bag-drop units and four self check-in kiosks have been fitted alongside the Jetstar check-in counters in Terminal 1.

Travellers on selected Jetstar flights are invited to use these self-service options, and at the self check-in kiosk, passengers print their boarding pass as well as baggage tag after checking in.

Instructional videos and signs are also available to guide passengers through the process, and on-ground staff are also present to provide assistance.

Since the trial started earlier this month, about 1,000 travellers have used the FAST facilities.

CAG explains it has received strong expressions of interest from airlines to move to self-service options, and expects more carriers to come onboard the programme, with more kiosks to be made available. 

Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s executive vice president, airport management, says: “Against a backdrop of growing passenger traffic and the current manpower situation in Singapore, such as in the ground-handling sector, the adoption of self-service initiatives will help alleviate some of the pressure faced by the industry.

“The implementation of FAST@Changis in line with a wider global push towards increasing automation at airports to improve productivity and efficiency, while providing passengers with greater flexibility and convenience."