Auckland Airport will replace 60 check-in counters with kiosks as part of an overhaul that will pave the way for biometrics to process passengers.
AKL says the check-in upgrade lays the digital foundations for a ‘technology-led travel future’ and brings domestic jet and international travellers together under one roof for the first time since the 1970s. The technology has already been rolled out in one check-in zone, replacing 30 desks with 36 kiosks and 22 bag drops. An airline group says the trial had resulted in confusion, however AKL says feedback from early-adopter carriers has been used to refine the design and processes for the wider rollout. An important feature is common-use flexibility. The new kiosks and bag drops can be used by different airlines throughout the day.
. . . Biometrics
During the next four years, the existing check-in hall will be transformed, turning it into a 13,000m2 digital departures area. AKL ceo Carrie Hurihanganui says there has been work around the world towards digital passports and digital travel credentials, integrating biometric data. “Building on ePassports, this technology allows for a more streamlined, faster authorisation at processing points such as check-in, border transitions and aircraft boarding.” The shift to common use, not just in check-in, but across the terminal design and operation, lowered barriers to entry for new airlines.
. . . Stop Gap
AKL says major activity will take place on the front face of the terminal, expanding the footprint by 2800m2 to support improved traveller amenities, improve pedestrian flows and form the connection with the domestic jet terminal now under construction alongside. Inside, phased construction activity will move through the check-in area. To maintain capacity during this, a temporary check-in pavilion will be built adjoining the Transport Hub. Work on the pavilion begins later this year, with main construction on the terminal check-in areas starting early next year.
. . . Airline Concerns
Board of Airline Representatives executive director Cath O’Brien says the initial rollout in ‘Zone E’ had been a difficult process resulting in confusion and queues, with BARNZ and other customers raising concerns in planning stages about whether the proposed check-in area was going to be big enough. “This is a particular concern as all domestic jet passengers are intended to flow through this same space, once the terminal is integrated from 2029.’’
