Halifax Stanfield self bagdrop is the first time that facility has been offered in North America for all passengers.
“This new, fully automated, self-serve baggage drop system uses the latest technology to simplify the check-in process for airline passengers,” says Joyce Carter, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) President & CEO.
”With airline customer service agents available to assist passengers if necessary, this improved level of service speeds up the check-in process and makes it possible for passengers to avoid line ups at counters.”
HIAA worked closely with its airline partners to develop this new passenger processing model.
“Air Canada has been a partner in the development of the new check-in process in Halifax and we are pleased with the outcome,” says Nick Careen, VP Airports, Call Centers and Customer Relations. “We have seen reduced queuing for our passengers and an improved customer experience. We are also very pleased with the upgrades to our Business Class Check-in area where we offer our traditional service.”
Self bagdrop processes are in now in use by quite a few airlines in airports around the world. Earlier this year Montreal introduced a common use self bagdrop. Other self bagdrop processes are in use at Heathrow, Gatwick, Copenhagen and Hamburg. Trials are ongoing at Hong Kong, Vienna, Geneva, Paris Charles de Gaulle.
“We saw this as an opportunity to be an industry leader, offering an enhanced, time-saving service to our passengers,” says Carter.
“We welcome any airport improvements that enrich the travel experience for our guests,” says Jon Quinton, Station Manager for WestJet in Halifax. “This new system helps travellers move through the check-in process more quickly, and frees up our team members to get out from behind the counters and assist those guests who need a little extra attention.”
The new self bagdrop system was part of a larger project that saw modernization of the baggage handling and screening equipment and renovations to the terminal building, to upgrade and expand both the domestic/international and U.S. preclearance check-in halls.
New Baggage Handling System
The new baggage handling system, which integrates with the new self bagdrops, was supplied by Buemer Group through a competitive tendering process. Its space-saving design delivers higher capacity, more sophisticated baggage handling capabilities, and the latest baggage screening technology.
“We worked collaboratively with our baggage system contractor, Buemer Group, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to install this new state-of-the-art system to handle all baggage processed at Halifax Stanfield,” says Michael Healy, HIAA Vice President Infrastructure & Commercial Development. “With increased capacity, enhanced safety and security, and improved efficiency, this system will serve us well for years to come.”
Renovated Terminal Building
Both the domestic/international and U.S. preclearance check-in halls have been renovated to create more room for passenger flow, new equipment and processes, and future growth.
