Air New Zealand planning to use biometrics to verify passengers

Air New Zealand’s long-term plans include using biometrics to verify passengers’ identities prior to boarding.

The airline recently introduced a new mobile app that scans and saves passport information and also triggers expiry reminders including providing click through links to renew New Zealand, Australian, British and American passports. According to a recent media release, customers using the app will enjoy a faster check-in experience.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer Avi Golan says customers can look forward to an increasingly smarter digital travel experience. “Integrating smartphone camera technology to our app paves the way for adding secure credit card scanning to our booking system, as well as longer term developments such as selfie-boarding – using biometrics and facial recognition to verify customers at the gate.”

Last year, Air New Zealand introduced a biometrics-enabled self-service bag drop for customers departing from Auckland International Airport. The bag drop uses facial recognition technology similar to that used by SmartGate passport control facilities.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  identity verification  |  New Zealand