Exclusive: Easyjet trials queue-cutting technology

EasyJet is trialling technology designed to cut queues at airports.

Staff armed with mobile hand held devices have been checking in passengers on the concourse at Edinburgh airport.

Spokesman Andrew McConnell told ABTN that the airline would "never" abandon traditional check-in desks as rival Irish carrier Ryanair has done.

But he said the new technology would both quicken the time it takes to arrive at the aircraft and improve the service experience for customers.

"We are evaluating the technology as to how it can speed up the check in process."

"It allows our staff to have more contact with passengers, providing a faster and more informative service.

"We will never get rid of check-in desks like some other airlines have done in the past," he said.

Easyjet is also planning to improve services for business travellers as it steps up its focus on the corporate market.

ABTN understands that 20 per cent of the airline's overall sales are to business travellers, half of which come from bookings made by travel management companies using Amadeus and Galileo global distribution systems (GDSs).

Easyjet is known to be in talks with Sabre about loading its inventory on its GDS. A deal, expected to be announced in the next month, would mean the Luton-based airline would be available on to all GDS-connected business travel agents in the UK.

The company's general manager for the UK and Ireland, Paul Simmons, said they would continue to push easyJet plus - a season ticket for speedy boarding - in addition to investing in other technology to assist people travelling on business.