Net tech to drive airlines’ war for passengers
The battle for the skies may finally be fought on the ground as airline companies are trying to attract more passengers by introducing passenger-friendly net-based technologies.
The latest is the web based check-in to help the passengers avoid those frustrating queues and last minute hassles at the check-in counters.
The web check-in facility allows passengers to access their boarding passes in the comfort of their home, book seats of their choice and proceed directly for the security check. While Kingfisher Airlines recently launched the product, low cost carriers Air Deccan and Indigo Airlines plans to introduce it shortly.
Air Deccan, plans to launch the web check-in product in the next two months. “We should be able to put the technology in place by November end,” Air Deccan chief technology officer Ajay Bhatkal said.
New entrant Indigo Airlines will introduce web check-in within a week, calling it a part of their strategy “of taking the hassle out of travel”.
Kingfisher Airlines, which has garnered almost 9% domestic market share since the start of their operations in May 2005, recently launched the product.
Moving a step further, the airline company has introduced a new concept of roving agents who reach out to the passengers and check them in, using a mobile digital device and printer.
Jet Airways was the first airline in the country, and the fifth airline in Asia Pacific to introduce the product in the country in October 2005.
National domestic carrier Indian Airlines was also undergoing technological upgrades, company sources informed.