Mobile technology is being used to give passengers at Gatwick airport a speedier departure.

British Airways (BA) staff are using portable digital equipment to handle flight administration from anywhere in the airport.

Staff has been issued with personal digital assistants (PDAs), linked by the mobile phone networks to the BA processing systems.

The hand-held devices can process the same transaction services as a ticket desk.

The aim is to reduce queueing time by offering waiting passengers information on their check in details, ticket issuing and booking changes from more locations than the static desks.

Sangreeta Mirchandani, flight connections and sales agent, is one of 80 desk staff to have been trained in how to use the mobile system, which was was introduced last month.

She said: "I can remain alongside the passenger while sorting out any problems which saves us time and reassures the passenger I am dealing with them. This is much better than running to the desk and back. Passengers have all been enthusiastic about our investment in this service."

The company has been testing six devices, one of which is in use at all peak times, to see how the system can be best implemented.

Mark Cox, British Airways Gatwick information technology manager, said: "It's all about offering the best possible service and being at the cutting edge of technological developments.

"British Airways is always keen to implement new solutions which improve customer service and technology is offering many opportunities to demonstrate this commitment."

Last year, BA carried more than 12.5 million passengers from Gatwick to more than 100 destinations world wide.

*www.britishairways.com