Japan's Haneda Airport automates processes to deal with virus, labor crunch

Tokyo's Haneda Airport is automating check-in and other procedures to address health issues due to the COVID19 pandemic as well as personnel shortages.

Aviation industry officials and air carriers began bolstering their anti-virus measures in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics that kicked off July 23 and are now bracing for the summer break.

Japan Airlines (JAL) upgraded its automated check-in system for domestic flights at Haneda Airport's Terminal 1 to allow passengers to have their fingerprints scanned through infrared rays, keeping them from touching the screen.

A zero contact solution was also introduced for the automatic baggage registration equipment last year, eliminating the need for people to line up at check-in counters to explain luggage content to staff.

According to JAL, those improvements shortened the check-in time from around 30 minutes during peak periods to only five to 10 minutes.

The security check venue, ticket gates, and onboard toilets were also improved to minimize contact.

Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways Co. installed 12 automated gates at two locations within Terminal 2 in May.