Orlando International Airport to deploy biometric gates for international arrivals and departures

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board voted last week to fully deploy the Customs and Border Protection Biometric Entry and Exit Program for international arrivals and departures.

International Airport Review reports that the GOAA board approved $4 million in funding to integrate the passenger processing system that uses facial recognition technology to facilitate the arrival and departure of all international travelers.

“CBP is thrilled to be working with our long standing partner the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority as they become the first U.S. airport to incorporate facial biometric capability for international arrivals and departures,” said Todd Owen, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations. “Together, CBP and GOAA are going to change the face of travel making it more secure and efficient.”

The system will be implemented at the 30 MCO gates having international departures and at CBP checkpoints located in the airport’s two federal inspection stations.

Orlando International Airport and CBP have been testing the system for passengers boarding British Airways flights to the United Kingdom over the past several months. SITA integrated the automated boarding gates with CBP and British Airways IT systems as part of a joint initiative by the GOAA, the airline, and CBP.

“Identity verification through biometric technology complements our long-term vision for safe, secure and seamless travel from curb to gate,” said Phil Brown, GOAA CEO. “The total cost for the biometric entry and exit programme includes the equipment and installation of biometric passenger processing system as well as related costs for power, low voltage wiring, and cameras.”

Funding for the program will be provided from capital expenditures funds.

Article Topics

ABC gates  |  biometric exit  |  border security  |  CBP