The new system -- Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) -- is a computerized system, benefiting passengers from the time of check-in to arrival. After the installation of this system, customers can check-in through counters of any airlines and processing will be faster.[break]
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has signed a seven year agreement with SITA -- France based air transport communication and IT solutions provider - to install CUTE at TIA.
"The computerized processing will not only save passengers from long queue but will also save resources of the airlines and airport," Maneesh Jaikrishna, SITA country director for India and subcontinent, said.
Speaking at a media briefing in the capital on Tuesday, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Lokendra Bista Magar expressed hope that the hassle-free traveling will also ensure better security at the airport.
Ram Prasad Neupane, director general of CAAN, said ten airlines operating in Nepal have already approved the installation of CUTE and other eight were expected to approve soon.
Upgraded check-in facilities are the need of the hour as there have been significant rise in number of air passengers in recent years, said Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, general manager of TIA. “Number of air passengers has increased 13-fold between 1996 and 2011. Installation of CUTE will ease pressure at TIA,” he added.
CUTE will replace the existing manual system (departure control system) being used at the airport. It will be initially used in 24 check-in counters in the first phase and later expanded to 36 counters.
“TIA will earn additional Rs 40 million a year after the installation of CUTE. Airlines will pay $1 per passenger for the service and TIA will get 40 percent of it,” he added.
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