JetBlue, CBP continue to work with SITA in biometric exit program

SITA announced the success of its biometric border technology used in a pilot program on JetBlue flights departing from Boston Logan International Airport and that it continues to work with the airline and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in this program.

The pilot program, which launched in June on all flights from Boston’s Logan International Airport to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport, has become increasingly popular with JetBlue customers.

Passengers who opt in during the boarding process can simply walk up to the camera for a quick photo at the gate instead of showing their boarding passes or devices to a customer representative.

The custom-designed camera station connects to CBP to automatically match the image to passport, visa or immigration photos in the CBP database and verify flight details.

The passenger is then prompted on an integrated screen above the camera to proceed to the jet bridge.

SITA said its biometric scanning technology has proven to be very accurate with almost a 100 percent match-rate to provide an efficient and seamless experience.

“SITA’s collaboration with JetBlue and CBP has resulted in this unique integrated biometric exit check and self-boarding solution,” Randy Pizzi, SITA president of Americas, said. “The results to date have been very positive with the vast majority of JetBlue customers choosing to use it. This acceptance is in line with our experience and the results of 2017 SITA Passenger IT Survey, which shows that not only do passengers prefer to use technology but when they do it boosts satisfaction rates.”

“The accuracy and speed of the system shows how SITA’s technology can provide a new way for airlines to bring value to their customers. Over the coming months we will work with JetBlue and government agencies to extend the use of this innovative and passenger-friendly technology. We look forward to continued progress together.”

SITA provides self-service solutions throughout the entire passenger journey experience, from check-in to boarding, at airports around the world.

More than 165 airlines use its passenger processing applications and its common-use systems board more than 100 million passengers per year.

In addition, the company provides border management solutions to more than 40 governments across the Americas, Asia, Europe, The Middle East and Africa.

“Working with industry partners like JetBlue allows us to explore the best use of technology to implement biometric exit checks while improving the passenger experience,” John Wagner, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner at the Office of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said. “The integrated and frictionless solution devised with the airline and SITA is proving a success for everyone – the airline, the passengers and CBP. We look forward to continued work with JetBlue and SITA.”

Article Topics

biometric exit  |  biometrics  |  CBP  |  facial recognition  |  SITA