Aer Lingus expects to release significant numbers of staff from check-in desk work following the introduction of new automated check-in technology at Dublin Airport.

Chief executive Mr Willie Walsh wants 50 per cent of the airline's passengers to use the new Fastpass system by August. The airline said staff who normally man desks would be re-assigned to other customer service work, some of them helping with the new system.

The system essentially allows passengers to check themselves in using touch screen technology.

After providing some personal details the new Fastpass terminals issue a passenger with their boarding card and baggage tag. However, the service only applies to those with hand baggage.

Aer Lingus said it was the first Irish airline to introduce the technology on such a large scale. The airline has 15 Fastpass IBM terminals in operation and intends to increase this to 38 next month.

The airline said the investment was "significant" but would not specify a figure.

The company said the initiative, once fully operational, would increase check-in capacity "significantly".