Changi Airport Group unveils new measures to simplify passengers' airport experience

Passengers at Singapore Changi Airport can now enjoy a more hassle-free and user-friendly travel experience as Changi Airport Group launched two new innovative features - the Common Use Self-Service kiosks and the Passenger Reconciliation System (PRS), in partnership with ARINC, a leading transport communications provider. These features simplify the airport experience for passengers and aim to minimise the inconvenience commonly associated with airport check-in processes.

The common use kiosks present a convenient check-in alternative for passengers and better support airlines' operating needs at Changi Airport. Passengers can use these mobile kiosks to check in themselves, saving time and streamlining their travel experience. Five participating airlines have committed to use the common use kiosks to date - Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), Northwest Airlines (NW), Cathay Pacific (CX), Air France (AF) and United Airlines (UA). There are currently 8 common use kiosks in operation at Terminal 1, serving the passengers of KLM, AF and NW. CX and UA will roll out their systems later this year. Changi Airport Group is monitoring the usage of the kiosks and will introduce more if more airlines are keen.

Besides the common use kiosks, Changi Airport Group has implemented another new initiative - the Passenger Reconciliation System (PRS) - to further improve the check-in experience. With this new system, participating airlines can connect their own check-in systems with the PRS to allow real-time automated checks on self-printed boarding passes. With PRS, departing passengers with no check-in baggage can enjoy a seamless journey as they no longer need to queue at the check-in counters to get their self-printed boarding passes verified by counter staff. They can instead proceed straight to the immigration access point where their passes will be verified automatically by security officers using 2D barcode scanners. CX is the first airline to fully leverage the advantages of the PRS.

A diorama of the US Airways A320 ditching made of marshmallow candy has been named a finalist in The Washington Post's third annual Peeps contest.

"We thought it was the most memorable image from the past year," co-creator Brady Gordon tells the newspaper.

The aircraft landed in New York's Hudson River on 15 January after both engines lost power after striking a flock of Canadian geese.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite candy display.

(Image from The Washington Post)

Twittering FAA forecast panel about aviation trends impacting US airports here

American Airlines finished renovating its lounge at Chicago O'Hare International airport.

The Admirals Club has seating for 504 passengers in a space larger than 32,000 square feet.

Elements include 39 work stations (this sounds practical but awful at the same time), a cyber cafe and a children's room.

The most refreshing part for road warriors must be the spa-like shower facilities with eight private showers, complete with towels, shampoo, body gels and blow-dryers. Shower caps and razors are avaialble upon request, the carrier says in a statement.

Photo from American Airlines. Go here for more pics.