New check-in service cuts queues at Indonesian airports

A new roving check-in service is speeding up passenger processing and cutting congestion at Indonesia’s two busiest airports. JAS, Indonesia’s foremost ground handler, has introduced the new service at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali.

Congestion during peak hours is a common problem at both airports with passenger volumes far in excess of the terminal design capacity. JAS worked with technology provider SITA to find a flexible solution. The result was Indonesia’s first mobile check-in desk, launched by JAS under the name Mobicheck. Using wireless connectivity, it can be rapidly deployed anywhere in the airport terminals with the full functionality of a fixed check-in counter.

Nazri Othman, Chief Operating Officer, JAS said: “During peak periods airlines need more counters to check-in passengers. With no space for expansion of existing fixed desks, roving counters provide an effective way to keep queues down. They give us the freedom to move around and open a new check-in area wherever and whenever a queue starts to form.

“This is the first time our Mobicheck service has been available in Indonesia. It went live at CGK in April and at DPS in June. In total, we now have five mobile check-in desks, with three installed at CGK and two at DPS. It reduces frustration for passengers through shorter queuing times and speeds up their journey through the airport.”

The roving check-in counter is based on the industry standard common-use check-in system, known as CUTE. It can process passengers from multiple airlines, making it highly versatile and efficient for shared airport terminals.

Ilya Gutlin, SITA President, Asia Pacific, said: “Essentially it is a check-in desk on wheels, which means it can be set up anywhere there is a queue and then stored away in a back office when it is not required. This provides much greater flexibility than fixed counters, as well as providing a back-up system for business continuity in the event of a disruption.

“The service is common-use, which means it can support any airline that uses the CUTE environment. Airlines are assured of better service for their passengers and with less bottlenecks at check-in, aircraft delays are reduced. The airport is also happy because it leads to less congestion in the departure halls and a smoother passenger flow. So everybody benefits.”

SITA has worked closely with JAS for more than 15 years. The roving check-in service is the latest example of how that partnership supports the ground handler’s aim of providing better service to its airline customers and their passengers.