EasyJet to replace staff with automated check-in

EasyJet, the British airline, is aiming to replace check-in staff with automated kiosks in the latest cost-cutting drive in the no-frills airline industry.

EasyJet claimed an industry first last week with all 108 passengers on a flight from Nottingham East Midlands airport to Prague checking in using the self-service kiosks, including those with hold baggage.

Mr Ray Webster, easyJet chief executive, said: "In due course, this could revolutionise the airport process in the way that the internet revolutionised the booking process." EasyJet said the system would be rolled out in other airports across its network, which would "ultimately see kiosk-only check-in".

Many other airlines offer self-service check-in but only as an alternative to staffed desks.

EasyJet said that "keeping two channels open is an unnecessary duplication and increases, rather than decreases, costs".

EasyJet has already cut the number of toilets on its new Boeing aircraft from three to two in order to squeeze in extra passengers. It argued that, because there was no free drink and food on board, fewer toilets were needed.

The pressure to drive down costs will be underlined tomorrow when budget airline Ryanair reports its full-year results, expected to show a 10 per cent fall in net profits before exceptional items to €215 million.

The airline shocked investors earlier this year by issuing its first profits warning since flotation in 1997. The warning triggered a 31 per cent one-day fall in its share price. Mr Michael O'Leary, Ryanair chief executive, has warned of a looming shake-out in the low-cost sector, with many of the recent start-up airlines suffering heavy losses.