Quicker processing for busy travellers

Photo / Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport says arriving transtasman travellers will benefit from significant time savings as a result of streamlined border systems, particularly when several flights arrive at once.

Chief executive Simon Moutter said self-processing kiosks for departing travellers had already been trialled at the airport for some Australian destinations and had proved a success.

These would now be used for arrivals from Australia.

At present, on average, passengers were through in 15 minutes.

However, when the airport was congested with flights, that could increase to 30 to 40 minutes.

Just how much time will be saved will depend on how many passengers take advantage of the new technology.

In the year to June, the airport handled 575,000 arrivals from Australia.

The SmartGate system was expected to be available in Auckland's arrivals hall from as early as December and in departures from late 2010.

Air NZ deputy chief executive Norm Thompson said the streamlining would make NZ even more appealing as a destination for Australians.

The airline was working on plans to introduce check-in kiosks similar to those used at domestic airports for transtasman travel, which could speed up departure times.

Qantas welcomed the announcement as an important first step.

A Biosecurity NZ spokesman said the changes would mean compliant passengers could leave the airport more quickly, and people who were bringing in undeclared goods would be more easily targeted.

Customs' deputy comptroller of policy, people and resources, John Secker, said the kiosks would be optional.