Singapore - Singapore Airlines has become the world's first carrier to implement an automated document check facility that simplifies the task of checking travel documents, SIA said on Wednesday.

Jointly developed by experts from 11 Star Alliance member carriers, the facility processes all visa, travel and immigration requirements of the countries in the customer's itinerary and eliminates time-consuming manual verification by staff.

A customer "will spend less time at the check-in counter, even if his trip takes him through many countries," said Yap Kim Wah, senior vice president of product and services.

The system, implemented at Changi Airport, evaluates all the travel documentation prepared and carried by the passenger, a SIA statement said. It gives a "Yes" or "No" response to inform the staff if the customer has everything required.

"The facility contains an extensive up-to-date database containing rules for every country," the airline said.

Other Star Alliance member carriers are planning to use the system in the near future, SIA noted. (dpa)