Qantas trials SITA facial recognition tech at Brisbane Airport
Qantas has begun a trial of facial recognition tech at Brisbane Airport allowing streamlined access to the lounge and the boarding gate.
In collaboration with technology provider SITA, customers are able to upload their passport photo and data to their mobile phone and check in before they arrive at the airport.
Using the Qantas Facial Recognition App for Android devices only, passenger data is matched to their face via cameras, allowing quicker access without needing to physically show their boarding pass or passport.
The pilot programme is now live and will run until early December.
It is available to passengers who volunteer and are travelling on flights from Brisbane to Singapore, Tokyo Narita and Hong Kong.
"Qantas is the first airline to trial SITA Smart Path mobile in Brisbane and is showcasing the innovative collaboration that is required to incorporate this new technology," said SITA President Asia Pacific, Sumesh Patel.
Patel says more than three quarters of airlines and airports are planning to invest in biometric tech over the next three years.
Qantas said their customers crave a more seamless airport experience without having to show their travel documents at various stages during the journey from curb to gate.
The 2018 IATA Global Passenger survey found that 65% of passengers are willing to share personal information if it aids a speedier process at the airport.
Qantas will analyse feedback from the programme to prioritise future biometrics trials and investments.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt