ARINC EMEA is demonstrating the self-service version of its ExpressDrop common use bag drop for the first time at Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE), 18-20 April 2012, Vienna, at stand 3050.

ExpressDrop offers fast and simple passenger identification and, in the PTE demo, biometric identification has been introduced, which enables passengers to proceed from check-in to boarding as an end-end automated process.

ExpressDrop is part of ARINC’s suite of multi-channel products, which are the industry’s first true common use check-in and bag drop applications to handle multiple airlines from a single workstation. They include the miFlight Web check-in application, which is also being unveiled by ARINC at PTE.

The products are built on ARINC’s multi-channel service platform, which connects to the different departure control systems (DSC) used by airlines and ground handlers.

In support of industry-wide initiatives to simplify baggage drop-off points, ARINC has developed one-step bag drop applications, in both agent-assisted and self-service versions, to make drop-off faster and more convenient for passengers and more efficient for airlines.

The self-service ExpressDrop uses weighing scales integrated with a simple touch-screen interface, which at PTE is being shown with a facial biometric identification system.

Passengers can scan their boarding pass and then the touch-screen takes a biometric image to match them to it. Next, they place their bags on the scales and a bag tag is printed.

Using ARINC’s Veripax passenger reconciliation system, passengers can be biometrically scanned to pass through to airside and again to proceed through a self-boarding gate, such as the Kaba system.

ARINC can configure the self-service bag drop solution to suit any airport’s operational requirements. Options range from fully dedicated bag drop positions to flexible counter conversions, which can be readily reverted back to normal check-in operations.

It is hardware agnostic and can be integrated as a `front end` to existing baggage drop automation systems, without incurring additional cost. Because ExpressDrop requires minimal agent training, it is ideal for use by seasonal or inexperienced staff.