The day when your face alone will act as both your passport and your boarding pass is coming one step closer to reality in Australia.
This is thanks to Sydney Airport partnering with Qantas to run their biggest biometrics trial yet.
Select passengers are testing out ground-breaking facial recognition processing, which when fully tested, will allow passengers to complete most stages of their airport journey using their face alone as their identification.
The first phase of the trial will test four key steps in the passenger journey including automated check-in, bag drop, lounge access and boarding.
Additional steps proposed for future trials include mobile check-in and automated border processing.
Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said the major trial was part of a broader focus on investing in technology to make the airport experience easier and more convenient for passengers.
“We’re very excited that select Qantas passengers now have the chance to experience this highly sophisticated technology as part of this landmark trial,” he said.
“In the future, there will be no more juggling passports and bags at check-in and digging through pockets or smartphones to show your boarding pass – your face will be your passport and your boarding pass at every step of the process.”
Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert
Qantas Chief Customer Officer Vanessa Hudson said there was an increasing need for airlines and airports to offer faster and more convenient airport experiences and we’re excited to see what results the trial produces.
“Qantas customers will not only be able to check in for their flight using the technology, it is also available for our lounge staff who can create a more personalised experience when passengers arrive,” she explained.
Consent is sought from all passengers participating in the trial, which sticks to strict privacy standards.
The Australian Government’s border processing procedures will remain unchanged and travellers will still be required to undergo the current border processes.
READ: Sydney Airport trials facial scanning technology
READ: FACIAL RECOGNITION WILL EVENTUALLY TAKE OVER PASSPORTS AT AUS AIRPORTS
