Aloha selects IBM

Aloha Airlines has chosen IBM to expand its customer service offerings, reports Trading Markets.

IBM's self-service systems give travellers more options for using the Web as well as kiosks to check-in without wait, check baggage, and choose amenities such as lounge access and in-flight meals.

The IBM system will go beyond ticket purchasing and check-in options, Aloha Air customers will be able to select onboard amenities such as in-flight meals, group check-in, purchase of paid upgrades, and frequent flyer account management. In addition, the system will allow for the retrieval of passenger records by bar code scan from itinerary or passenger loyalty card.

The Chula Vista office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles is offering a self-service terminal to help customers renew vehicle registrations more conveniently, says San Diego Union Tribune.

The terminals accept cash, e-cheques, credit and debit cards. Customers must bring their complete renewal notice. The machines instantly print a registration card and licence-plate sticker.

The terminal at the Chula Vista DMV office is the 10th self-service machine operating in Southern California since the DMV installed its first terminals in early 2006.

Beijing is focusing on upgrading technologies for better service for the upcoming Olympic Games next year. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology said most of its funds for technological upgrades in 2007 went to Olympic-related projects, states Xinhua.

The government contracted several research institutes and hi-tech companies to build a multilingual call centre for next August's Games, which will provide help in 12 major global languages.

The hi-tech call centre and self-service information kiosks, which have been built along main Beijing streets, were tested and proved effective in recent months.