Qantas is a leading airline when it comes to new technologies for biometrics, with more than 20,000 customers already processed through existing facial recognition trials in Brisbane, Sydney and LA.
Qantas has commenced a trial of innovative facial recognition technology at Brisbane Airport. The technology allows customers to upload their passport to their mobile phone for the first time. This allows them to check in before they arrive at the airport and eliminates the need to provide their passport and boarding pass at the lounge or boarding gate, helping speed up their airport experience.
“Customers have told us that they want to move seamlessly through the airport without having to present travel documents at every stage of their airport experience”, Head of Product Strategy and Development, Phil Capps mentioned.
“What’s unique about this technology is it allows customers to securely store their passport details on their mobile phone which is matched to their face via cameras while moving through the airport. Digital recognition certainly has its advantages, but it will never replace the customer service that our team are renowned for and there will always be Qantas staff on hand to assist”, said Capps.
The trial which began earlier last week, will run until early December with passenger feedback used to help Qantas prioritise future biometrics trials and investments. The trial is limited to passengers who volunteer to take part and are travelling on flights from Brisbane to Singapore, Tokyo (Narita) and Hong Kong.
The 2018 IATA Global Passenger survey revealed that 65 per cent of passengers would be willing to share their personal information if it helped speed up the airport process.
Qantas is partnering with Brisbane Airport and technology provider SITA to trial the system.
According to SITA President Asia Pacific, Sumesh Patel, “Biometrics offer the potential for secure and seamless air travel. 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 across airlines, airports and security checks”.
“More than three quarters of airlines and airports are planning investments in biometric technologies over the next three years and Qantas’ trial will provide valuable passenger feedback to shape future implementations”, Patel said.
Qantas is a leading airline when it comes to new technologies for biometrics, with more than 20,000 customers already processed through existing facial recognition trials in Brisbane, Sydney and LA.
How does it work?
Passengers register on their Android device (trial does not include iPhones) and they download the Qantas Facial Recognition App from the Play Store.
Once downloaded, customers then store their passport details and photo on the app. Their data is safety secured and when customers are passing through the airport to the lounge or at the boarding gate, their passport data is matched to their face via cameras, eliminating the need to show their boarding pass or passport.
Customers without bags will be able to proceed directly to immigration and avoid going to the check in desks or kiosks in the terminal.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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