Star Alliance develops biometric platform for screening passengers

Star Alliance, an airline alliance, has developed an interoperable biometric identity and identification platform for screening airport passengers.

The move is expected to ensure a touchless experience for frequent flyers of Star Alliance member airlines.

Built upon NEC I:Delight biometric and identity management platform software, the Star Alliance Biometrics service will enable touchless verification of passengers at security access and boarding gates.

Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh said: “This is a customer-centric solution that furthers our credentials in innovation, particularly its multi-airline and multi-airport capability.

“Whilst it offers a seamless customer travel experience, it is also a critical development that addresses the expectation of customers for a more touchless and hygienically safer experience.”

The service will be available for members of Lufthansa and SWISS Miles & More Frequent Flyer Program.

Miles & More customers can enrol for the service by accessing a link within the Lufthansa app. Once they complete the verification process, they can opt for the biometric service whenever they travel with a Star Alliance member airline.

Lufthansa Group airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS are scheduled to start using the system for selected flights from this month.

Related infrastructure is currently being installed at the German hub airports of Frankfurt and Munich to enable the touchless service.

Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers said: “Biometrics offers us the opportunity to further accelerate and simplify processes at Munich Airport for the benefit of travellers.

“This not only increases passenger comfort, but also, thanks to the contactless process, hygiene standards and health protection. In this way, we are once again fulfilling our promise of quality as the only five-star-airport in Europe.”