Biometric exit program could extend to all major U.S. airports in four years

Biometric exit technology could be installed in all major airports across the U.S. within four years, Acting Customs and Border Commissioner Kevin McAleenan told a Senate Finance Committee panel, FCW reports.

“Beginning in early 2018, CBP is working to fully scale out air biometric exit and will spend 2018 working with stakeholders to get commitment to deploy biometric exit technology,” McAleenan said.

CBP deputy executive assistant commissioner John Wagner said earlier this year that the agency was “out of time” to implement the mandate for a biometric exit program and “out of excuses.” Wagner told an audience at the FedScoop government innovation conference earlier in November that airport boarding gates are not able to accommodate the large footprint of technology mandated by CBP, and that the agency would work with airlines to develop a new technical capability.

The technology is currently undergoing Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) trials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Houston William P. Hobby Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

As previously reported, CPB also deployed facial recognition biometric exit technology at Miami International Airport in September.

McAleenan, who is facing confirmation to hold his post permanently, also told the Senate committee that CBP plans to extend biometric exit trials to land ports of entry in late 2017, and to deploy facial recognition technology at entry and departure points in Arizona in fiscal 2018.

Article Topics

airport biometrics  |  biometric exit  |  biometrics  |  United States