Last week, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced the official launch of the “world’s first” Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service. This is supported by Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) Flight Token smart technology and reduces the bag drop process to under one minute for passengers.

This new technology makes HKIA the only airport where all departure procedures can be completed using smart phones and facial recognition. Emphasising the airport’s innovative approach to tech adoption, Chris Au Young, General Manager, Innovation & Data Insights of AAHK, said:

“Flight Token is the world’s first service that applies facial recognition technology to complete the entire departure process at the airport […] the Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service, as an extended service of Flight Token, was just launched in collaboration with airlines, delivering to passengers an even more convenient and efficient departure experience. We will continue to work with our business partners to develop and adopt different technological and innovative solutions to further enhance our services and operational efficiency as part of our Smart Airport’ journey.”

The service is currently available to all HK Express passengers over 11 years old and to Cathay Pacific passengers to all destinations (excluding the United States). Moving forward, AAHK plans to extend the service to additional airlines with Hong Kong Airlines planning to offer it by the end of the year.

Mobile devices are an effective way of giving passengers more agency whilst streamlining airport processes. The Smartphone Express Bag Drop Service at HKIA not only enhances the passenger experience, but also illustrates the airport’s commitment to driving passenger experience by leveraging innovative technology.

 

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