Systems upgrade to ease congestion at airports

By Luke Anami

Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) has began installing the first ever self-service check-in system at two of the country’s three international airports.

The move is set to ease passenger processing at the Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports.

KAA Managing Director George Muhoho announced the installation of the Common User Terminal Equipment (Cute) and the Common Use Self Service (Cuss) systems at the two gateways.

The systems, designed by Sita — an aviation information and technology specialist company — is billed at $26.7 million (Sh2.1 billion).

"The shift to self-service and the adoption of Sita’s common-use technology will allow KAA to maximise the capacity at the airports and manage peak hours smoothly and more efficiently," Muhoho said when he signed a contract between KAA and Sita yesterday.

Increase traffic

"These systems will enable airlines use same airport gates, desks and workstations, which in turn increase the volume of traffic that can be accommodated by the infrastructure."

The installation of the new system will benefit 37 airlines using the airports.

Muhoho said the self-service kiosks will make the airports self-sufficient as no terminal will be dedicated to a given counter and airline as is currently the case.

He said the Cute system facilitates communication between the check-in counter and the airline systems, making it easier and faster for passengers to board their flights.

Further, the systems enable luggage identification for each bag through the Baggage Sortation Message (BSM) system.

"A passenger can electronically confirm whether the luggage is on board. In case it is not, the system can inform the whereabouts of the same," Muhoho said.

The Cute system also prints the tags attached to the bag at multiple points in the journey.

Sita would also manage and upgrade the system in a 10-year contract starting this month.

In the agreement, Sita will collect revenue through the system, and remit a certain percentage to KAA.

The upgrade brings Kenya’s international airports at par with others in South Africa and Europe.

Sam Munda, Sales Director, Sita’s Sub-Saharan Africa said the systems will reduce pressure on airport operators during peak periods.

"Some three million passengers will have a quicker start to journeys in Nairobi and Mombasa," Munda said, when he signed the contract on behalf of Sita.

He said the system reduces the cost of business for airlines in an economy that is facing financial strain.