Romania’s national airline Tarom will introduce this March a new kiosk check-in service at Henri Coanda Airport ( Otopeni ), for the company’s internal and international flights. This service will reduce waiting times at standard check in desks, according to the company.

“The kiosk check-in application [...] will be first of its kind developed in the Romanian language, and will also be available in another 14 international languages​​,” reads a statement of the company. Using an electronic ticket, identity card or passport, passengers will be able to check in, choose seats and print off boarding passes on their own, without waiting to be checked in by airport staff. After printing boarding passes, passengers traveling only with hand luggage will be able to go straight to security and the departure gate, while those with larger bags will leave them at a 'bag drop' point.

Tarom also offers an online check-in service, available to all passengers holding a valid electronic ticket for Tarom flights or for flights carried out in cooperation with partner airlines - KLM and Air France.

Romania’s state-owned airline Tarom recorded total revenues of EUR 305 million for 2010, up 15 percent compared to 2009, while the company’s net turnover was EUR 218 million, up 13 percent from 2009. It posted a loss of EUR 78.9 million in 2010, higher than the EUR 55 million loss in 2009.

The company’s privatization is part of the Romanian Government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A consortium of Carpatica Invest and Swiss Capital will intermediate the listing of the 20 percent stake in the National Society of Romanian Air Transport Tarom SA on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Tarom)