'Auto' check-ins at SA airports

Acsa said in a statement on Monday that 36 kiosks have been installed and plans are underway to add a further 70, bringing the total investment to around R20m for the 106 kiosks.

The kiosks will go a long way in alleviating pressure at the traditional check-in counters and offer a secure and faster alternative to traditional check-in, Acsa said.

Acsa added that its Flightcheck implementation is in line with international best practice and the two airlines that have started using it - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Kenya Airways - are already seeing benefits.

"The feedback we have received so far is that there are benefits in terms of cost, terminal space-savings, better use of resources, improved efficiency and better customer service.

"South African Airways, South African Express and Airlink will join the two airlines this week while other airlines such as Nationwide Airlines are expected to join soon," said Acsa.

While the concept of self-service check-in airport kiosks is not new, Acsa is one of the first airports companies in the world to introduce kiosks that can be used by all the airlines that operate from its airports.

The kiosks look much like ATMs and are easy to use with simple touch screen display icons and text instructions for passengers. During the initial stages, Acsa has made additional temporary staff available to assist passengers in using the new technology.

In addition, airline helpdesk numbers have been prominently displayed, it said.