JKCS unveils aviation solutions

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

John Keells Computer Services (JKCS) unveiled its latest aviation IT solution, eCheck-in suite reducing 40 per cent in check-in and boarding equipment costs, CEO, JKCS, Dhananjaya Chandrasekera told Daily News Business.

The product was launched at IATA IT summit in Amsterdam, Netherlands amidst a gathering of top airline officials.

"eCheck-in suite enables the passengers to go through the checking process and print their boarding passes from their home, office or the Internet caf,. We are working with various airlines. In recent years we have been building airline products. This is the latest product. It received a very enthusiastic response from airlines in Europe, Middle East and Asia at the launch," he said.

"The system offers Web check-in, kiosk check-in, mobile check-in and remote check-in. Once a ticket is purchased, a passenger can simply log onto Internet or use a mobile phone to select a seat on the plane and receive the boarding pass," he added.

He noted that this system features a Bar Coded Boarding Pass (BCBP). "The boarding pass replaces the current one containing a magnetic stripe. International Air Transport Association (IATA ) specifies that all airlines must be BCBP capable by 2008.

By offering BCBP capability the eCheck-in suite enables an airline to save US $ 3.58 per passenger for home check-in with baggage and US $ 5.34 without baggage," Chandrasekera said.

"Mobile phone and PDA check in is a novelty for even the most progressive airlines. With phone check in, customers are guided through the entire process. They can print their boarding passes at the airport and drop off the luggage.

Chandrasekera added that the eCheck-in suite brings several benefits to airlines. "Having passengers processed through this system an airline can reduce check-in desk requirements, use lower staff numbers and generate significant savings on facilities costs such as electricity, consumables and equipment maintenance," he said.