Italy’s Napoli International Airport (NAP) is the first European airport to install the latest Rockwell Collins M Series Plus self-service bag drop units.
Passengers travelling from NAP using the airline EasyJet will enjoy the benefits of the new system. These benefits include:
- Single-step weigh and tag bag drop
- Automated bag dispatch
- Comprehensive passenger processing, including those that require payment functionality
- Passport scanning
- PCI-compliant Chip and PIN reader
- Hand-held monitoring tool for personnel
Paul Hickox, head of Airport Systems Sales for Rockwell Collins, recognises that ‘this deployment highlights the importance of providing retrofit units’ with a full range of functionality to enable airports of all sizes to deliver new capabilities to its passengers without upgrading existing infrastructure.
He said, comparing the best of current self-service kiosk operations to the new innovative system: "While many retrofit bag drops provide limited functionality, the M Series Plus can process 100% of passengers, including those with a fee to pay, a passport to scan, a bag tag to print or those who forgot to check in. The M Series Plus allows passengers to self-bag drop at Napoli however they present."
The system also gives airport personnel greater flexibility, while still being able to monitor security and functionality, via a hand-held monitoring tool that delivers on-point information as required, and offers the benefit of visibility and control of the self-bag-drop zone from any location within the airport environment.
Currently, the new system is being rolled out by EasyJet, with other airlines scheduled to join as the installation settles in.
"We are continuously investing to improve the passenger experience at the airport by focusing on technological innovation to reduce waiting times, improve safety and improve punctuality," said Alessandro Fidato, Infrastructure Development and Flight Operations Director at Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli.