Facial recognition speeds check-in, boarding at Australian airport

Photo credit: Brisbane Airport

Air New Zealand began facial recognition trials last March at Brisbane Airport using Smart Path technology provided by SITA. Passengers checked in at self-service kiosks that used facial biometrics to create a “single secure token” linked to the passenger’s travel documents. Boarding passengers walked through an automatic gate using facial recognition technology to verify that the correct passenger was boarding. No printed pass, passport or other travel document was required. The result? A 70% reduction in processing times for check-in and boarding.

According to SITA Asia Pacific president Sumesh Patel, passengers surveyed want a fast, easy and secure airport travel experience. The challenge is reconciling passenger demand for an efficient, seamless journey with the need for increased airport security.

SITA's 2017 Air Transport IT Trends Insights report found airports projecting to spend $8.4 billion USD on their 2017 IT budgets, a 20% increase from the $7 billion spent in 2016. Airlines planned to spend $24.3 billion on IT technology in 2017, an increase of 11% from 2016.

SITA found 97% of airlines planned to offer self-service check-in, boarding, and mobile flight status options by 2020. The increase in automated or self-service comes at a time when the number of airline travelers is expected to reach 7 billion by 2035 – double the 3.5 billion current number of travelers. The bulk of that growth is expected to be in the Asia Pacific region.

Brisbane airport is looking ahead to using biometric technology for automated baggage check-in and border crossing. The self-service baggage drop system is already in place and begins testing this quarter. Planning on the use of biometric technology in border crossing is underway with immigration authorities. 


Facial recognition trial saving time at Brisbane Airport

By Jordan Chong, Jan. 4, 2018, for Australian Aviation


Air Transport IT Trends Insights 2017

SITA surveys and reports, www.sita.aero

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