Vision-Box survey shows majority of aviation industry interested in facial biometrics implementation

A large majority of organizations in aviation, the airline sector and related government agencies are planning to implement biometrics for contactless travel, a new survey from Vision-Box reveals. Facial recognition is used by 24 percent, and 12 percent use fingerprint biometrics.

The survey results are presented in a report on ‘The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Aviation Sector’, which shows that more than three-quarters of respondents from around the world have undertaken several changes to adjust to the new circumstances. Staff protection and schedule adjustments for better crowd control are the top types of measures takes so far. Beyond biometrics, 23 percent are suing QR codes, 15 percent use RFID signals, and a mere 9 percent use none of the above.

Facial recognition is by far the technology generating the most interest for implementation, with 63 percent saying they are considering doing so, though mobile and wireless technologies are also seen as possible beneficial solutions and alternatives to biometrics.

When asked what will create sufficient passenger trust to return to normal travel activities, more than 37 percent said a COVID-19 vaccine, while just under 35 percent said a contactless journey would be sufficient. Extra health and safety measures would bring back normal conditions according to 21.7 percent.

The survey results were shared during a recent webinar hosted by Vision-Box on ‘How to overcome COVID-19 crisis in the aviation sector,’ with a panel featuring WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara and experts from the aviation industry.

Touchless security and flow screening are attractive to 26 percent of stakeholders surveyed, while 24 percent are interested in passenger flow management, 18 percent are interested in remote passenger registration or check-in, and 13 percent expressed interest in identity management platforms. Together, Vision-Box sees these numbers as indicating a trend towards and preference for seamless traveller identity systems.

The lack of revenues in the short-term are concerning to stakeholders, which may affect planning for new procedures and technologies. Despite those concerns, 94 percent see contactless technologies as crucial immediate investments, just ahead of mobile enrollment for boarding (81 percent). Requirements for cleaning and disinfecting (91 percent) and face masks (77 percent) are seen as important immediate actions, but robotics, immunity certificates, and iris biometrics are seen as less critical areas for investment, Vision-Box says.

“The survey of the world’s top airlines, airports, and government agencies has been clear to reveal that the industry is depending on secure biometric technology, particularly facial recognition for automation and safe socially distant travel experiences for travelers in a post COVID-world,” comments Vision-Box CEO Miguel Leitmann.

“Airports appear to be the most interested in these technologies, likely because of the overall foot traffic that they handle. We expect this trend to be picked up across the world in the coming months as the primary objective remains to manage crowds using safe, socially distant technology, minimizing close human to human contact.”

The company also notes that a recent survey from IATA shows 42 percent of travelers are concerned about airport queues, and 24 percent say touchless processing would make them feel safe.

Article Topics

airports  |  aviation security  |  biometrics  |  contactless biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  identity management  |  passenger processing  |  travel and tourism  |  Vision-Box  |  WTTC