The new check-in area will become fully operational from August 9, Cochin International Airport Limited managing director, S Bharath, said at a function in Kochi to mark the inauguration of the new facility.

During the trial period, only selected flights would be handled through the check-in area. Nineteen check-in counters would be operated initially which would be later increased to 43 counters, all of which would be equipped with the Common User Terminal Equipment system, he said.

With the introduction of CUTE system, the airlines would be benefitted to access their parent system which would enable them to do the onward check-in more quickly and effectively.

This would be beneficial to the passengers for their onward connectivity. The check-in counters would have dedicated display system having additional branding facility for the customer airlines.

All airlines would be provided with dedicated first class and J class counters in addition to their normal economy counters, he said. The entire check-in area would have three rows of back offices for the use of ground handling agency as well as for the customer airlines.

The check-in counters are connected with proper feeder belts to the main baggage conveyor, which is designed as a reclaimer type which would facilitate the ground handling agency in their day-to day baggage make up operations.

The length of the main baggage conveyor is 50 metres which will enable the ground handling agency to cater to 20 bagger trolleys/containers at a time. CIAL is planning to add one more baggage conveyor soon.

Provision of on-line screening is also being planned. The new check-in terminal has all the latest facilities that can be compared with the best international airports in the world, Bharath said.

At another function, the first lucky draw to select five lucky winners of 'Thani Thankam' offer was inaugurated by Federal bank [Get Quote] chairman, M Venugopalan. The offer is being conducted jointly by Cochin Duty Free, one of the largest duty free shops in India that showcases international range of products and Federal bank, a leading private sector bank in the country.

The 'Thani Thankam' offer will give every international passenger who shops at cochin duty free between August one to Sept 30 a chance to win 99.99 per cent pure 24 carat Swiss gold coins from Federal bank.

Participants have to answer two simple questions before dropping lucky dip coupons in the drop box. Lucky draws would be conducted on a daily basis.

The winners can collect 5 gram gold coins from selected Federal bank branches. Five persons were selected as lucky winners on Thursday.