Glasgow Airport checks in new technology to further improve queue times
03 September 2012
Glasgow Airport has become the first airport in Scotland to introduce automated boarding pass scanners in a move which will significantly increase the speed at which passengers can pass through its security hall.
The scanners have been installed as part of the airport’s ongoing investment programme which has seen in excess of £21 million spent over the course of the past two years on capital projects designed to provide a better experience for passengers.
Six self-service scanners are now in place in the main security hall and they will reduce already low queue times for the millions of passengers who travel through the airport every year. The technology, which is also in use at London City and Gatwick Airports, will allow passengers to scan their boarding passes before proceeding to the security screening area.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “Our focus in recent years has been on improving our customers’ journey through the terminal building and not only will this technology further enhance our compliance with strict industry security regulations, it will significantly reduce the amount of time passengers spend in the security hall, particularly during peak times.
“In terms of queue times, we are one of the best performing airports in the UK but that hasn’t prevented us from wanting to make further improvements. The introduction of the new scanners is just one of a number of measures we have recently implemented and it comes at a time when more and more people are choosing to fly from Glasgow Airport.”
Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing said: “Glasgow Airport is one of Scotland’s busiest airports, carrying approximately seven million passengers to 90 destinations each year. The airport makes a substantial contribution to Scotland’s economy, providing a vital service for leisure and business travellers and supporting 7,300 jobs.
“Over the past two years, BAA has invested more than £21 million in improving the passenger experience for the estimated 20,000 passengers that pass through Glasgow Airport each day. This substantial investment is testament to the airport’s ambitious plans for growths and the installation of these new barriers will help provide a swifter service for those travelling to and from one of Scotland’s best known cities.”
In 2011, Glasgow Airport invested almost £12 million in capital projects designed to provide a better experience for passengers and a further £9 million is being spent this year on airside developments and further improvements to the fabric of the terminal.
