News

Gulf Air is 1st in Mideast to add check-in kiosks

October 16, 2002

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Gulf Air will become the first Middle East airline to introduce self-service check-in kiosks at selected locations, according to a report in Gulf News.

The project to implement the automated service at Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Muscat airports will begin soon and is scheduled to be introduced early next year, the report says.

The contract was awarded to Gulf Business Machines, IBM's representative for the Gulf.

The kiosks, which will operate next to traditional check-in desks, use touch-screens to allow passengers with hand luggage to check in and review seating assignments.

"Automated check-in kiosks enhance efficiency both for the airline and the airport," said Tariq Sultan, assistant vice-president of IT at Gulf Air.