SAA to improve passenger security
Hi there, SAA newly introduces baggage wrapping machines, the first one July 15 at Jo'burg Int. If the pilot project is successful, more of these machines will be added shortly. Here is a full article by BuaNews (Tshwane/Pretoria):
Hi there, SAA newly introduces baggage wrapping machines, the first one July 15 at Jo'burg Int. If the pilot project is successful, more of these machines will be added shortly. Here is a full article by BuaNews (Tshwane/Pretoria):
The South African Airways (SAA) has introduced an automated wrapper machine at the Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) to reduce theft from passengers' luggage. A passenger's baggage is inserted on the other end of the machine and comes out at the other end automatically wrapped in plastic to prevent tampering with. The wrapper is transparent, making it easy for passengers to identify their bags. As a pilot project, the first machine has been placed at the domestic terminal and will be boosted win an additional one as well as two others at the international terminal by 15 July. According to Chief Risk Officer Vishnu Naicker, the new technology would save the airline millions of Rands paid to passengers as a result of lost items. Last year alone, the SAA parted with about R10 million in this regard. \"Just one lost or perforated bag is one too many and I believe this is something our customers will welcome,\" said Mr Naicker. \"This is not only a criminal issue; it is a very personal issue for affected passengers as it is as an invasion of privacy. The SAA feels this system will offer an enhanced protection to our customers and also help protect the reputation of the national carrier.\" The good thing about the new system is that all will be done at no additional cost and the machine can be moved from one counter to another depending on which is the busiest. It will also prevent sneaking in of illegal substances into passenger's baggage. Meanwhile, SAA has encouraged passengers not to place valuables such as laptops, cellphones, cameras, video recorders and jewellery in their luggage but should take that aboard with them as hand luggage.Lets see if the thieves in South Africa's airports will quenched by this. Cheers, Felix