UK's second-largest full service scheduled airline bmi (British Midland) is planning to set up automated check-in kiosks at Mumbai's international airport to expedite check-in process.
The airline will also roll out e-ticketing in India soon. bmi, which currently operates four times-a-week service to London from Mumbai, is planning to start its daily flight from April 22.
"We are exploring options to set up exclusive self-service check-in machines at Mumbai airport, if the IT infrastructure allows it. This will speed up the check-in process of corporate travellers with less baggage," said Max Hunt, general manager (sales & marketing - Europe and International), bmi.
This is aimed at simplifying the procedures at all levels of operation including pre-sale and post-sale of tickets, he said.
Hunt said the airline would also launch e-ticketing in the country to facilitate corporate travellers in two months.
bmi commercial development manager (India and Middle East) Ravi Pikle said the airline is mainly focusing on corporate travel and has already initiated talks with corporate travel agencies to tap the segment.
"bmi is offering as high as 7 per cent commission to travel agents vis-a-vis the industry average of 5 per cent. Over 90 per cent of bmi's business comes from travel agents," Pikle said.
Hunt said the airline's Mumbai-London service has already registered breakeven and would become profitable by the year-end.
"India is always in our sight. We are planning to add more destinations in India in the future following an upgrade of the existing service from April 22. We are strategising our product in a unique way by offering better network, timing and pricing for Indian corporate travellers," Hunt said.
The other leading airlines operating in the routes include British Airways, Air-India, Jet Airways and Vigin Atlantic.
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