Airporter, Inc. and MUIC Kansai have introduced Japan’s inaugural off-airport check-in service at Kansai International Airport, marking a significant stride in streamlining outbound travelers’ luggage processes. The innovative service facilitates the direct transfer of luggage from hotels or designated drop-off points to departure airports within Japan and onwards to international arrival airports. Following the success of a proof-of-concept (PoC) project targeting Japan Airlines (JAL) users departing from Kansai International Airport, Airporter and MUIC Kansai envision collaboration with major Asian airlines commonly used by international travelers visiting Japan.
The service, provided by Airporter, offers same-day luggage delivery between airports and hotels, extending its reach to international airports. This initiative promotes “hands-free travel,” allowing seamless luggage transfer from hotels to overseas arrival airports. By integrating Airporter’s same-day luggage delivery service with online check-in services offered by airlines, the collaboration contributes to the digitization of boarding procedures, effectively minimizing queues.
Given the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the initial deployment of the service focused on Osaka. A three-month PoC demonstration commenced in July 2023, primarily targeting JAL users departing from Kansai International Airport. The successful verification of service operations during the PoC phase has paved the way for future developments.
Airporter and MUIC Kansai have ambitious plans for the comprehensive expansion of their services, aligning with Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The partners aim to forge alliances with major Asian airlines widely utilized by international travelers in Japan. A key aspect of their strategy involves the development of dedicated equipment installable in hotels, stations, and various locations. This dedicated infrastructure will empower passengers to perform luggage check-in procedures at specific points within the city, providing a convenient solution for travelers to check in their luggage at designated locations throughout their journey.