ITS BorderXpress kiosks trialed for EU biometric Entry/Exit System

Four facial recognition BorderXpress kiosks from Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have been implemented at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Iceland as part of a six-month pilot in preparation for the Schengen Area’s Entry/Exit System (EES).

ITS describes the launch of the trial in the announcement as a landmark both for the company and for the industry, representing the first kiosk-based automated border control solution in a Schengen member state. The EES is expected to be fully operational in all Schengen countries by the end of 2021, as part of the European Commission’s Smart Border plan, providing a central system for registering all data related to the entry, exit, and refusal of all third-country nationals at external Schengen borders.

“We recognize the complexity and challenges that many Schengen member states face with the implementation of new regulation for entry and exit border control. Kiosk-based solutions, like BorderXpress, have a critical role to play in helping Schengen member states effectively fulfil the new security and data collection requirements outlined by the European Commission, while also keeping pace with increasing demand for air travel,” says Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Isavia and the Icelandic Police have shown tremendous leadership in preparing for the new regulations and recognizing the importance of future-proofing their airport with a customizable and adaptable solution like BorderXpress.”

Isavia is the sole airport operator in Iceland, and more than 95 percent of travelers entering the Schengen area from Iceland do so through KEF. The kiosks at KEF have been customized to meet Icelandic Police requirements.

“As an airport operator ourselves, we have a unique understanding of the challenges airports in Europe are facing. Our demonstrated success as a trusted partner in over 43 airport and seaport locations globally ensures that we are positioned to guide airports and governments as they prepare for EES,” says Chris Gilliland, Director, Innovative Travel Solutions. “We are confident that our pilot program with Isavia at Keflavik Airport will further demonstrate the adaptability and effectiveness of BorderXpress, making a meaningful impact on travelers, border control authorities and the airport, alike.”

BorderXpress kiosks were also the first to provide Entry and Exit border control in Europe when 74 biometric-enabled kiosks were launched at Pafos International Airport and Larnaka International Airport in Cyprus in July, 2018.

The company says BorderXpress kiosks have been proven to reduce passenger wait times by 60 percent, and a recent White Paper published by InterVISTAS concludes that kiosks significantly outperform traditional immigration processing.

Article Topics

airports  |  biometrics  |  BorderXpress  |  facial recognition  |  Innovative Travel Solutions  |  kiosk  |  passenger processing