"UK airport's supermarket-style security check-in off to a flying start"

Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Airport's supermarket-style check-in off to a flying start
BY ALAN RODEN
United Kingdom - The Scotsman


PASSENGERS with just one item of hand luggage are being fast-tracked through
security in new supermarket-style queues at Edinburgh airport. 

The "one-item-or-less" check-in system is being trialled in the Capital in a
bid to cut delays at security gates for passengers travelling light. 

Business passengers and city break travellers are expected to benefit most
from the new initiative, which could be made permanent in September if it
proves popular. 

Last year, airport chiefs came under fire over lengthy queues for the X-ray
machines - delaying passengers for up to 30 minutes at peak times. 

New figures released today show that owners BAA have turned this on its
head, with nearly 99 per cent of passengers now making their way through
security within ten minutes. 

But around one in ten passengers are still waiting more than five minutes,
and airport chiefs have vowed to continue tackling the problem. 

Managing director Richard Jeffrey said: "I appreciate that security queues
at Edinburgh Airport have been an area of concern for some of our passengers
- that is why last year we put in place the challenging target of getting 95
per cent of passengers through security in under ten minutes. 

"These latest figures show we are not only meeting that target but doing
substantially better. However, we are far from complacent and are focused on
improving performance further." 

The departure lounge at Edinburgh Airport is accessed via the first floor,
and passengers must show their boarding cards before joining the queue for
the X-ray machines. 

The fast-track trial means travellers carrying one bag or less will instead
be allowed to pass through a dedicated security gate. 

Security manager Amanda Livingstone said: "The feedback from passengers
during trials has so far been positive. Further consideration is being given
to the logistics and detail of the scheme with a view to possibly
implementing some form of 'fast track' system." 

The move follows another initiative launched by airport chiefs which allows
passengers to buy goods before travelling and collect them on arrival in
Edinburgh. The service cuts back on hand luggage carried on board planes. 

Last October, one of Britain's biggest airlines hit out at Edinburgh Airport
describing security queues as "unacceptable". 

Nigel Turner, chief executive of BMI, said attempts to improve punctuality
were being hampered by peak-time congestion. 

In response, BAA created its action plan, with new figures for the first
half of 2006 showing that 92 per cent of passengers waited less than five
minutes. 

A spokesman for BMI said: "We're delighted with the efforts at Edinburgh
Airport and the fact that they have turned the situation around. We do our
utmost to make sure our planes run on time, so we're delighted that the
airport is also doing all it can."

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