THE Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (Lipad) has conducted a self-service check- in dry run at the new passenger terminal of Clark International Airport (CRK).
Lipad, manager and operator of Clark airport, held the trial with representatives from partner airlines and ground handlers.
The event involved the use of contactless self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag drop, a first in the Philippines.
The dry-run 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.
Andrew Tan, director and deputy head of airport operations of Changi Airports International (CAI), stated that 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. 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," Tan said.
More trials will be organized in the coming months to achieve a seamless transition to the new terminal, he 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.
These companies have a proven track record in property development and aviation.
Edward Silverio, president of Airline Operators Council (AOC) CRK, said they support Lipad in all its operational readiness efforts.
"We are dedicated to collaborating with them to ensure systems and processes are in order,” he added.
Silverio said they 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," he added.
Lipad Chief Executive Officer Bi Yong Chungunco said they are working very hard to make the processes seamless when the airport opened to the public.
"We implement 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 terminal was recently nominated with Prix Versailles, a global design awards body.
Silverio said the new Clark airport is a representation of the best the Philippines can offer on "tourism, hospitality and smiles."
Blending with nature, the terminal representing the mountains surrounding it, he added.
The nomination criteria for airport design included the terminal’s use of innovation and creativity, and its reflection of local heritage and energy efficiency.