Biometrics-Based Airport Processing System to be trialled at Aruba Airport

The Aruba Airport will implement on a trial basis a new biometrics-based passenger processing system developed by Vision-Box at airport check-points later this year, according to a report by Future Travel Experience.

Using facial recognition technology and gates, the ‘Happy Flow’ processing system is designed to facilitate a seamless, faster and more intuitive airport experience. Passengers will no longer be required to show their passport and boarding pass at other checkpoints throughout the airport.

The trial was announced at a special event held at Aruba Airport, where Vision-Box demonstrated the concept of the processing system.

“This project is indeed a revolution in the airport ecosystem,” said Jean-François Lennon, director of global business development for sales and marketing at Vision-Box. “For the first time ever, biometrics is being used as the main passenger identification token in an airport. Instead of using either a passport or boarding pass, the passenger swiftly goes through all airport control points where he simply has to have his identity checked by looking at facial recognition cameras.”

The system works by taking a photo of passengers’ faces when they check in and get their passport validated.

The biometric information is then relayed to airports, airlines and border authorities, and acts as the identifier at all other checkpoints, ranging from bag drop to boarding.

The trial will target those passengers travelling between Schiphol-owned Aruba Airport and the Netherlands. In the event that a passenger is discovered at the initial check-in process as being ineligible for entry into Netherlands, the airline will be contacted.

The project was initially highlighted by the FTE Airports 2025 Think Tank. Since then, FTE has since partnered with Capgemini on the “Straight Through Travel” project to explore ways that the industry can facilitate a single passenger token to create a walk-through, secure travel process.

The initial findings will be revealed at FTE Global 2014, which will be held in Las Vegas from September 24th through 26th.

Article Topics

access control  |  airport biometrics  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  identity verification  |  security  |  Vision-Box