Manchester airport introduces hologram staff

Julie Capper poses next to her hologram in a photo courtesy of Manchester Airport.

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester airport has introduced holograms of real-life customer service staff to help speed up security queues.

The images of Manchester airport employees John Walsh and Julie Caper were created using the same technology that brings animated pop group Gorillaz to life.

The holograms will greet passengers at the entrance to the security search area and explain the restrictions on carrying liquids onto aircraft.

Although information boards already set out the security restrictions, passengers still regularly forget to remove liquids from their bags, the airport said.

"We don't want anyone to have to throw their drink or make-up away so we've tried lots of different ways to reinforce the liquid rules, from posters to people dressed up as giant deodorant cans," the real Julie Caper said on the airport's website.

"Maybe holograms are the answer?" she added. "If our holograms help our passengers through the security process even quicker, then it will be a good thing."

The virtual assistants will be on duty from Monday.

(Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Steve Addison)