Global IT provider SITA, in collaboration with Air New Zealand, has launched its first trial of facial recognition technology at Brisbane Airport in Australia.

The latest SITA Smart Path technology features sophisticated biometrics that enable travellers to present their details at self-service kiosks during check-in.

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Following this, passengers can use an automated boarding gate to be verified using facial recognition technology when boarding aircraft.

SITA Asia Pacific president Sumesh Patel said: “This is a single, secure, self-service process which simplifies passenger processing for everyone – airlines, airports and border authorities.

“It is early days at Brisbane Airport but already the response from passengers has been positive.”

Being the first airport in Australia to trial the SITA technology, Brisbane Airport has incorporated the secure walkthrough experience at check-in as well as the boarding gate using SITA’s biometric technology, which integrates with the airport’s existing common-use systems.

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"This trial will allow us to test and refine new technology that we hope will make standard check-in and boarding processes more efficient and secure in the very near future."

Brisbane Airport Corporation Strategic Planning and Development general manager Roel Hellemons said: “This is a great opportunity for passengers to help shape the future of travel.

“We’re always striving to improve the airport experience at Brisbane Airport and this trial will allow us to test and refine new technology that we hope will make standard check-in and boarding processes more efficient and secure in the very near future.”

The Smart Path solution allows passengers to link their travel documents to their biometric scan at check-in areas, and then complete the rest of the boarding process without having to present a boarding pass, a passport or any travel document.

Brisbane Airport is currently allowing Air New Zealand customers to try the new Smart Path system before it provides the technology to additional international airlines over the coming months.

Image: SITA’s Smart Path check-in area at Brisbane Airport in Australia. Photo: courtesy of SITA.

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