Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), operator of Clark International Airport (CRK), yesterday held a dry run of the self-service check-in process at its new terminal in preparation for the opening this December.
The dry run involved the use of contactless self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag drop, a first in the Philippines. It is part of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT), a comprehensive and extensive set of measures to ensure that all processes run smoothly and all personnel are trained with the newest technologies in place.
A total of 25 airlines and ground handlers participated in the trial run, including Cebu Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Jin Air and Jeju Air. LIPAD personnel posed as the passengers during the check-in and bag drop processes.
“Airlines and ground handlers are among the key stakeholders required for an ORAT to be successful. We are pleased to be working with LIPAD to ensure a smooth transfer of operations to the new Terminal 2,” said Andrew Tan, director and deputy head of airport operations of Changi Airports International (CAI).
“The trials are conducted after several online workshops, and the on-ground exercise further aids stakeholders in addressing concerns and allows airlines and ground handlers to familiarise themselves with the new check-in facilities and processes. More trials will be organised in the coming months to achieve a seamless transition to the new terminal,” Tan added.
Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of CAI, is part of the consortium that makes up LIPAD, together with Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Philippine Airport Ground Solutions Inc. The companies have a proven track record in property development and aviation.
“We support LIPAD in all its operational readiness efforts and we are dedicated to collaborating with them to ensure systems and processes are in order,” said Edward Silverio, Airline Operators Council (AOC) CRK president.
“We admire how LIPAD adopts new technology to promote safe travels through the self check-in kiosks and automated bag drop system. The AOC CRK is very excited to journey with LIPAD in opening the new terminal building soon,” Silverio added.
Bi Yong Chungunco, LIPAD chief executive officer, said the company implements new technologies for improved systems for safety and ease.
“We are doing these preparatory trials to ensure that there will be no hiccups in the system,” she said.
The new airport’s design was nominated with Prix Versailles, a global design awards body, alongside five other international airports.
“The new Clark airport is a representation of the best the Philippines can offer: Tourism, hospitality and smiles. It is a first in-blending of the infrastructure with nature, the terminal representing the mountains surrounding it,” Silverio said.
The nomination criteria for airport design included the terminal’s use of innovation and creativity, and its reflection of local heritage and energy efficiency. – Myla Iglesias
