Thales has completed the installation of automatic border control gates (ABC gates) at three more Spanish airports, namely Reus (REU), Girona-Costa Brava (GRO) and Tenerife Sur (TFS).
In March, Thales and IT services firm Inetum delivered over 45 ABC gates at two Spanish airports, Valencia (VLC) and Bilbao (BIO).
The Thales ABC System, which comprises facial recognition and automatic document verification, is expected to enhance and speed up the border control process.
The compact ‘smart’ gate units feature a modular design, allowing effective passenger processing that helps in reducing waiting times for passengers while supporting social distancing, claimed Thales.
Thales and Inetum jointly developed this system and have been responsible for its integration and deployment at different Spanish airports.
The design of the ABC system brings together software expertise in biometric authentication and document verification with a modular hardware solution.
This system instantly captures a passenger’s face.
The units feature electronic passport readers whose authentication software can be updated from a central security centre to help counter the latest threats.
Furthermore, the system allows additional security controls by police officers in case it is required.
Thales identity and biometric solutions vice-president Youzec Kurp said: “Thales’ eGates support the growing interest of airports in expanding their capacity when the options of building new terminals are limited.
“The system increases potential passenger numbers by requiring less space for installation. In Spain, more than 120 Thales ABC Gates will be deployed before the end of the year.”
Last month, Thales and Dah Chong Hong – Dragonair Airport GSE Service were appointed to install a new instrument landing system solution and support the three-runway system (3RS) expansion project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
