2-D barcode speeds up services for passengers

Kramol Pulkes, vice president of information technology at Nok Airlines, said the firm was to develop a 2-D barcode to contain passengers' details in order to reduce human error.

The 2-D barcode will be provided to passengers by e-mail or Multimedia Messaging Service supported by General Package Radio Services after passengers confirm their electronic ticket. Passengers will then print out the barcode or use their mobile phone at the check-in counter to identify their ticket by a barcode reader without a second input of passenger information.

"The 2-D barcode does not only improve the quality of service, it reduces human error and cuts the check-in time. It also reduces the complexity of information processes and offers convenience to passengers," said Kramol.

By the end of this year, the firm in the first step will use a 1-D barcode to retain customer information. It will also, together with its partner, utilise 1-D barcode technology to improve productivity. The firm is also implementing CRM to support customer satisfaction and keep passengers' loyalty.

Pinyot Pibulsonggram, vice president of marketing at the company, said PDAs are now used to check in passengers under the Nok Xpress or Nok X service programme.

Nok X offers speedy check-in for Nok Air passengers who have only carry-on luggage. They can show their booking number and an ID card or passport to Nok Air's roving Xpress staff, who then print out their boarding pass from a handheld PDA. They can then be on their way to board the plane. The real-time system will be linked by wireless technology, and connected to a small mobile printer to print out the boarding passes instantly.

The firm also allows customers to book flights via telephone check-in services by calling 1318. The system then gives a booking number, their name and flight number to Nok Air staff, who check all the information is correct, and then inform the passenger as to where to pick up the boarding pass. Nok Air expects to carry around 22.4 million passengers this year.

Nok Air travellers can also book and pay for their flights using mPAY via WAP under the Nok Mobile Booking Service, as well as at Tsutaya President Park, Seacon Square or Big C Rajdamri.

The Nation