SubscribeGate Technologies supplied check-in counters to Brussels South airport in 2004 and are also contracted to provide similar desks to the new terminal opening in 2007.
Gate Technologies supplied check-in counters to Brussels South airport in 2004 and are also contracted to provide similar desks to the new terminal opening in 2007.
Traffic at Charleroi has increased rapidly in recent years largely due to popularity with budget scheduled airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz etc. The airport has proven a successful alternative to Zaventum the main Brussels airport and has set high standards of finish and service. The new terminal has been carefully designed so as to provide passengers with an excellent facility which will be the equal of any serving full service carriers.
Check-in counters
Check-in counters are single units (left hand or right hand) and installed with space between them for operator access. Due to a width restriction in the building, the counters are just 900mm wide, somewhat less than the commonly used standard of 1,100m. The counters are a variation on Gate Technologies Standard system and feature stainless steel sides, bag shelf and plinth, a solid granite top and coloured steel front.
Front view of desks in departure hall
Coloured counter front
The counter front panel is made from steel with GTs special glazed finish which is in this case coloured dark blue. This finish has a rich, smooth characteristic and is extraordinarily scratch resistant. It can be provided in a number of RAL colours and will retain its pristine finish for many years without any deterioration.
Counter sides
Due to the proximity to heavy bags, the sides of a check-in desk are vulnerable to scratching, abrasion and general damage. Wear and tear in this area can be heavy and many materials can be easily damaged. For the Charleroi check-in counters Gate Technologies have employed their standard heavy gauge side panel construction.
This comprises a fabricated stainless steel construction providing a structural panel 30mm thick. The panels have a brushed stainless steel to all faces and are completely seam free. There are no bonded or mechanically fixed faces or edgings to come loose or trap dirt. Side panels form an important part of the desk structure and GT units are virtually indestructible.
Detail of desk side, scale display + granite top
Location of equipment
This slim counter has to locate the full set of scale airline equipment including monitor, CPU, keyboard and two printers in addition to power outlets and network connections.
Location of both ticket and bag tag printers is often difficult in a standard sized counter and in this case it has been necessary to locate the bag tag printer outside of the counter on an adjustable arm above the baggage conveyor.
Photograph of counter front showing granite top, bag scale and bag tag printer location on adjustable arm
Design
Prior to manufacture the airport management canvassed the views of the desk users to determine the preferred desk height, work-surface height etc to ensure that the desk configuration provides the best workspace in respect of comfort and ease of access to equipment.
As a result the desk has been installed with a 200mm high raised floor so that the operator is seated in a comfortable position relative to passengers.
Rear view of counter to show location of printers + airline equipment
Downloads
General assembly drawings of the counter are available in .pdf format on request. Please e-mail to gate.uk@btinternet.com for further information.
