Airports adopt touchless biometrics as aviation returns to growth

The global civil aviation industry is expected to gradually recover from the COVID pandemic and reach $1.09 trillion by 2028 according to a new study by Grand View Research. Domestic air travel is recovering more quickly than international and airports and airlines alike are attempting to improve the passenger journey through the terminal with touchless biometric technologies.

Passenger facial recognition journey at Paris Orly

Paris Orly Airport is trialling a biometric passenger journey, from entering the terminal to boarding. Airport owners Groupe ADP and airline Transavia worked with Idemia to develop the two-step process. At check-in, passengers scan their boarding pass and ID then look at a camera for a facial scan, according to a promotional video by Idemia. Then at boarding, simply facial recognition verification is required

The partners are hoping to make the “Smart Airport” passenger journey smoother, simpler and contactless. Personal data is deleted from the airport system after take-off. The trial will be developed further in the fall with the participation of another airline.

Kansas City International adopts CBP biometrics, builds smart terminal

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are implementing Simplified Arrival for international passengers arriving at Kansas City International Airport, reports KSHB.

The biometric system uses facial recognition to compare travel document pictures with a photo taken on arrival. The system may mean it is not necessary to take finger prints. Photos taken of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours whereas those of foreigners are kept in a Department of Homeland Security system.

Siemens and SITA are contributing future-proof, scalable technologies for the Kansas City International’s new 39-gate terminal, dubbed KCI. Cloud-based common-use platform SITA Flex will enable passengers to check in through a biometric scan at a self-service kiosk and then again use their faces to board.

Terminal journey and information points will be touchless and designed to help staff as well as passengers navigate the million square foot new building.

Kuala Lumpur International launches single-token facial recognition

Passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport will also benefit from contactless journeys through the terminal as it brings in a single-token initiative for facial recognition, reports The Edge Markets.

The airport along with Kuching International Airport also held by Malaysia Airports Holdings have achieved Airport Health Accreditation by the Airports Council International.

The group’s Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport achieved the status last year and four more airports in Malaysia are being assessed. The group hope this will further instil confidence in flying.

The Grand View Research report notes that the Asia Pacific region is seeing the fastest growth in traveler confidence.

Article Topics

airports  |  biometric identification  |  biometrics  |  CBP  |  facial recognition  |  IDEMIA  |  identity verification  |  market report  |  passenger processing  |  Simplified Arrival  |  SITA