Australian Designer Marc Newson Designs Qantas Next Generation Check-in
Sydney, 20 July 2010
Qantas today announced it had worked closely with Marc Newson in the design of its new Next Generation Check-in experience, which will launch in Perth next week.
Qantas Executive Manager Customer Experience, Ms Alison Webster, said the Next Generation Check-in elements had been developed with Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson, who provided creative direction on each of the components, including design and aesthetics.
“Next Generation Check-in has been designed to deliver an enhanced check-in experience for our customers – providing greater speed and ease through the airport terminal by eliminating airport queuing,” Ms Webster said.
“With this in mind, careful consideration has been given to the functionality, aesthetics, and ease of use for both our customers and airport employees.
“The Next Generation Check-in experience will feature product elements developed for Qantas by Blue Sky Design Group in conjunction with Marc Newson, including a new Qantas Frequent Flyer Card, Q Card Reader and Bag Drop facility. The Q Bag Tag, a world first, was designed exclusively for Qantas by Marc Newson.”
The new Qantas Frequent Flyer Card features an “intelligent Q” smart chip and will act as a permanent boarding pass, replacing eligible customers’ existing Frequent Flyer cards. The card will be used at various points throughout the experience, including at check-in, at bag drop, and to board the aircraft.
Customers arriving at the airport who have not yet checked in online or via their mobile device, will be able to simply touch their card at an all-new Q Card Reader located throughout the check-in hall. The simple and clean design of the Q Card Reader will provide both visual and audible recognition of successful check-in.
All customers travelling with bags will be able to use the new Bag Drop service at Next Generation Check-in airports. The Bag Drop injector has been designed to ensure the Bag Drop process is simple and quick for all customers and will eliminate queuing for those travelling with bags.
The new Kiosks with enhanced functionality will be customised in colour and trim by Marc Newson.
The Q Bag Tag features world first enhanced baggage technology and Qantas is the first airline in the world to introduce this technology. The tag was exclusively designed by Marc Newson for Qantas, and will be introduced later in 2010.
Throughout the Perth trial of Next Generation Check-in, construction and training will continue in Sydney, which will be ready to launch later in 2010, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra in 2011. The program is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2011.
About Marc Newson
Australian Marc Newson is one of the most influential designers in the world today. His association with Qantas began with the award-winning Skybed International Business sleeper seat in 2003. As Qantas Creative Director, Marc oversees all Qantas product development, including aircraft interiors, onboard product and lounges. Marc's designs are an integral part of most major permanent museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, London's Design Museum, Musée National d'Art Moderne – Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany.
About Blue Sky
Blue Sky is a young, dynamic and leading Australian design consultancy. With international exposure, the company has undertaken projects in the fields of consumer electronics, domestic appliances, white goods, medical equipment, lighting systems, sporting goods and information technology products. Qantas commissioned Blue Sky to create the Next Generation Check-in environment because of their innovative design techniques and their ability to bring this unique vision to life.
From today, an online demonstration providing a step-by-step guide to Next Generation Check-in will be available on qantas.com/nextgenerationcheckin
Images will be available to download from the qantas.com/media from today.
Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (5000)
Email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au
