Star Alliance signs biometrics deal
Star Alliance has signed an agreement to develop a biometric data-based identification platform.
Working with NEC Corporation, the airline alliance aims to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.
Once installed, passengers who opt-in will be able to pass through check-in desks, bag-drop, lounges, and boarding gates, which traditionally require both a passport and boarding pass, using facial recognition technology.
The service will be available to customers who are enrolled in one of the Star Alliance frequent flyer programmes and who have authorised the use of their biometric data on their mobile device.
Jeffrey Goh, CEO Star Alliance, said: "In NEC, we have found a strong partner who shares our vision of a seamless travel experience for air travellers. At Star Alliance we are committed to making the customer journey better, and this strategic partnership with NEC will help us make the way from curb to gate to aircraft a much simpler, yet innovative experience for our customers."
Takashi Niino, President and CEO of NEC Corporation, added: "Facial recognition is truly revolutionising the airline industry and making flying more enjoyable, just as it was always intended.
"In support of this partnership, similar to our implementations in United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, NEC will mobilise its global resources and provide local assistance to each of the member airlines to leverage this secure, interoperable platform and rapidly bring our common vision to reality."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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