Air New Zealand introduces world first biometric bag drop

The new self-service bag drop complements the airline’s existing online check-in option and the self-service kiosks in the terminal, enabling customers to take total control of their check-in experience.

Featuring technology similar to that used by SmartGate passport control facilities, customers scan their passports and boarding passes to have their identities verified by a biometric camera before being invited to place their bags on the scale to be weighed before they’re sent through to the airline’s baggage handling system.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Airports John Whittaker says the new bag drop is another great example of the airline using technology to enhance the customer experience.

“We can now streamline the check-in process for our customers at Auckland International Airport and provide a more seamless airport journey. It will reduce the time it takes for our customers to check in and free up our airport team to interact with customers and support them through the self-service process should they require assistance,” says Mr Whittaker.

Air New Zealand has an aspiration to be a leading digital airline and leading Australasian digital organisation. The automated bag drops follows the introduction of Airband™ last month – a wristband for children travelling unaccompanied which is embedded with technology that triggers text messages to guardians letting them know where their young one is on their journey.

Five new automatic self-service bag drops are now available for use by customers checking in at Auckland International Airport with a further eight planned to be installed in early 2016.

Ends

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320