SITA, Nagarro and NEC each help airport partners expand face biometrics

Etihad Airways is trialing face biometrics from SITA to check cabin crew into the Crew Briefing Centre at Abu Dhabi International Airport through their own mobile devices, Khaleej Times writes.

The new system replaces a kiosk-based one, in which staff identity cards were used as an authentication credential.

“Etihad is constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions and new technologies that will drive improvements in the airline’s operations and enhance the experience for guests and employees. Etihad is excited to partner with Sita to explore the potential that facial biometric services has for the aviation industry. By integrating contactless technology, biometric services will increase efficiency while simultaneously cementing our commitment to reducing the spread of Covid-19 by limiting physical touch points and maximising social distancing measures,” states Etihad Aviation Group Vice-President Flight Operations Captain Sulaiman Yaqoobi.

The change is expected to increase operational efficiency by speeding up the process, and give crew a seamless, touch-free check-in experience, according to the report.

The trial is scheduled to conclude in February of 2021, and the data it yields will be used to weigh the future use of biometrics for customer operations like check-in and flight boarding.

Star Alliance completes end-to-end single-biometric system

Star Alliance and its digital technology partner Nagarro have announced the completed development of a single biometric system to perform all airport traveler processes with facial recognition, along with an enhanced user interface for flight and fare searches.

The new system can be used for passenger check-in, baggage drop, security checks, lounge access, and flight boarding at multiple airports for multiple airlines. Passengers can enroll through a Star Alliance member airline’s app, uploading a selfie and a passport scan to opt in. Only one registration is required across any particular airline or airport to enable the contactless process.

Nagarro was primarily responsible for crafting the user experience to ensure high acceptance among passengers and setting the development guidelines for the project.

Simplified Arrival reaches Miami

Biometric arrivals checks have reached Miami International Airport with the launch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP’s) Simplified Arrival program.

MIA Director and CEO Lester Sola says the use of the facial recognition technology supplied by NEC has enabled up to 10 passengers to be screened each minute in a touchless process, since its first deployment at the airport in 2018.

“CBP is excited to partner with Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) to expand the use of facial biometrics at MIA and advance the future of secure, touchless travel,” said Diane J. Sabatino, deputy executive assistant commissioner of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “CBP combines the top performing NEC-3 algorithm with highly trained CBP officers who are skilled at verifying the authenticity of travel documents to ensure the highest possible accuracy as part of this innovative and streamlined arrivals process.”

CBP has cleared more than 55 million travelers at air, land, and sea ports, and prevented more than 300 imposters from entering America with face biometrics.

Article Topics

airports  |  biometric identification  |  biometrics  |  CBP  |  facial recognition  |  identity verification  |  NEC  |  NECAM  |  Simplified Arrival  |  SITA  |  travel and tourism