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webinar

Empowering the passenger with self-service baggage technology

In this exciting virtual panel, learn about the unexpected benefits of self-service baggage drops, including generating revenue from non-aeronautical streams and increasing passenger throughput as demand for air travel grows.

Register to watch the virtual panel for free now!

Eezeetags feature imageHear from experts as they speak of how self-service baggage systems have improved their operations and what it was like before they were in place. Airlines and airports across the globe have increasingly embraced self-service bag-drop systems because the benefits are numerous. The automated easy-to-use systems requires fewer airline staff which frees up capacity for personnel to be allocated at ‘concern areas’ across the airport. The baggage systems also reduces wait times – with some processes taking as little as 60-seconds – and this increases the dwell times of passengers in duty free and food and beverage outlets. Consequently, airports can generate revenue from non-aeronautical streams, highlighting a real cost-benefit to self-service baggage systems.

Airlines and airports across the globe have increasingly embraced self-service bag-drop systems because the benefits are numerous. The automated easy-to-use systems requires fewer airline staff which frees up capacity for personnel to be allocated at ‘concern areas’ across the airport. The baggage systems also reduces wait times – with some processes taking as little as 60-seconds – and this increases the dwell times of passengers in duty free and food and beverage outlets. Consequently, airports can generate revenue from non-aeronautical streams, highlighting a real cost-benefit to self-service baggage systems.

For passengers, they get to oversee their own journey. They are empowered to operate the system themselves, working at their own time and pace. Additionally, as more machines accommodate more languages, airports can overcome difficult communication barriers (particularly for individuals intimidated by the traveller process) and create a stress-free passenger experience.

In this panel session, speakers will draw on their own experiences and innovations to advise on best practices for airports and encourage collaboration between airports, airlines and organisations in making self-service baggage systems a reality.

SPEAKERS

MODERATOR: Anurag Shandilya, Head of Airport Operations, Noida International Airport 

Anurag ShandilyaAnurag Shandilya currently holds the position of Head of Airport Operations at the upcoming Greenfield Noida International Airport, a venture by Zurich Airport International, set to become the second airport in Delhi.
With a 20 year career, where he is responsible for setting up Operational organization and processes an Anurag started as an Air Traffic Controller at IGI Airport, New Delhi, in 2000. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the aviation industry, working with GMR and Adani Airports, focusing on capacity planning, establishing an Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), enhancing passenger experience, and ensuring apron safety.

SPEAKER: Karen Ellis, Chief Customer Experience Officer, San Antonio Airport System

Karen EllisKaren W. Ellis is the Chief Customer Experience Officer for the San Antonio Airport System. The position is responsible for the oversight of the Customer Service, Public Relations, and Community Outreach at San Antonio International Airport. Karen’s previous experience came from the Houston Airport System, which included George Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby and Ellington Airport. While there, Karen had oversight of the airport-wide Customer Service Training Programme, and served as liaison between the travelling public, the City of Houston, the airport-side community, and passengers’ responses to comments regarding the airports. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Marketing from Jacksonville State University and a Masters of Service in Human Resource Management from Troy State University.

SPEAKER: Monica Horvarth, Divisional Manager, Operations – Landside, Houston Airports System

Monica HorvathMonica is an aviation professional with 19 years of experience where her focus has been in airline operations, airport operations, and customer experience to establish brand identity.  Having worked at both large and medium hub airports, Monica is currently serving as the Division Manager in Operations, at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Monica’s role as a Division Manager in Operations at HOU includes overseeing the 24/7 operation of the terminal to certify the facility remains operational ready and ground transportation operation of both commercial and private modes to ensure a seamless movement of passengers from the curb to the gate.  In addition to the experience Monica has acquired throughout her years in the industry, her seasoned knowledge of leading teams, overseeing capital projects, managing budgets, and improving efficiencies to remain financially responsible while improving performance standards, are what helped to acquire HOU as the first five-star airport in North America as designated from the Skytrax World Airport Star Rating. 

SPEAKER: Borry Vrieling, Founder and Managing Director, Eezeetags

Borry Vrieling

At the age of 21 Borry was lucky enough to be employed by the world wide market leader in self-adhesive labels as a trainee sales rep. After making a career for himself within this multinational, his drive to be an entrepreneur made him start Varilabel Europe.

The company specialises in niche label applications where craftmanship and experience makes the difference.

Now, some, 36 years later, Borry still has the drive to do things differently. So when self-service bag drop came to the aviation Industry he realized that there was a need for a more passenger friendly tagging solution. And with the same enthusiasm he started Varilabel, he raised the brand eezeetags® empowering passengers to a truly unstaffed bag drop experience. Becoming the world market leader in self service tagging, the new scale up adventure has a new name “the eezeetags® family” consisting of selected bag-tag converting companies, producing under licence and strict quality requirements eezeetags® for the world.

SPEAKER: Gaurang Harit, Head – Specialised Airport Systems – Projects, Adani Airport Holdings

Gaurang Harit is a seasoned aviation professional with a thrilling 16-year journey in crafting airport experiences across the different geographies. His expertise lies in the art of design, master planning, project management, and governance of cutting-edge airport systems, including Baggage Handling, Hold Baggage screening, and Airside Systems, amongst other critical systems. Gaurang’s success story boasts the completion of more than 14 airports, from the fresh allure of Greenfield projects to the nuanced challenges of brownfield endeavors. Beyond boardrooms and runways, he unleashes his energy in the world of adventure sports, hiking, and the exploration of new frontiers. Gaurang is not just in the business of airports; he’s in the business of making every journey an exciting adventure.

 

KEY LEARNINGS

  • Making self-service baggage a reality and how your airport can become totally self-serviced
  • Cost-benefit analysis, and how this can save you money
  • How to be automated without losing that human touch
  • How to reduce queues and increase customer spend.

FAQs

Is the webinar free?
Yes – there is no charge to watch the webinar, either live or on-demand.

When will the webinar take place?
The webinar will be taking place on 19 March 2024 at 08:00 CST/ 14:00 GMT (UK TIME)/ 21:00 SGT/ 23:00 AEST.

Can I watch the webinar later?
The webinar will be available to watch on-demand shortly after the live broadcast takes place.

What are the benefits of attending live?
During the live webinar, you will be able to pose questions to the speakers, which will then be answered during the live Q&A session at the end of the webinar.

How long will the webinar be?
The live webinar will last for up to sixty minutes

Who will be moderating?
Holly Miles, Editor, International Airport Review

What do I need to watch this webinar?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. It is advised to use headphones where possible for your own comfort.