Bmi's New Boarding Pass System for Air Travellers
British carrier bmi has launched a new security system which delivers "paperless" boarding passes electronically to travellers who check in to their flights on the internet.
These boarding passes can be directed either to mobile phones, or to the latest generation of electronic organisers.
Airport Delays
Bmi is the initial airline to introduce this technology - a venture aimed at significantly reducing airport delays.
Essentially, the need for traditional paper documents is no longer there, these being replaced by barcode boarding passes.
These boarding passes are scanned both at security, and subsequently before boarding the aircraft.
The text messages also include contain written details, which cabin crew can study.
The new system began operation last week, and will continue over the summer months (until the end of a three-month trial period). To date, it has only been implemented in respect of flights connecting London Heathrow Airport and Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh airports.
Should the system prove a success, then additional bmi destinations will consequently be incorporated.
Passenger Waiting Times
Bmi itself has said that the new service is a component of its commitment to cutting down passenger waiting times at airports. It has also pointed out the benefits for passengers at the time of check in, who, now, do not have to lay their hands on a printer.
Bmi MD, Peter Spencer, added: "Bmi's new paperless boarding system is a significant step forward and will offer customers the opportunity to bypass check-in processes at the airport.
"Customers who check in online can have a boarding pass delivered straight to their mobile phone, allowing them to proceed straight to security or to bmi's quick bag-drop stations if they have luggage to check in."
Source - Airport International's Aviation Correspondent
