Industry Insight Special Report
Biometrics streamlining passenger journeys
October 1st 2018
Increasing numbers of airlines and airports are embracing biometrics to smooth the passenger journey through the airport to their airline seats. Read More »
A leading global IT provider said last month that biometrics will be part of the evolution of self-service check -in at global airports from the beginning of the next decade. Over the next three years, 77% of airlines and 71% of airports are investing in major programs and/or research into biometric ID management, SITA said at its 2018 AirTransport IT Insights conference.
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IT companies are delivering management solutions, including biometric systems, that eliminate the need for manual checks at airports and assist airlines and airports to comply with government and border security regulations. The most widely applied biometric systems are incorporated into self-service check-in kiosks. Worldwide, 41% of airports operate biometric clearance systems at check in kiosks which will increase to 74% by 2021, SITA said.
Within the same period, 59% of airports and 63% of airlines will be operating self-boarding gates using biometrics with identity proof such as passports. Blockchain is being adopted by about 40% of airlines and 36% of airports because it reduces the need for multiple identity checks.
Both airlines and airports are investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) but it is being applied differently by the two industry sectors. Airlines are looking at the potential of AI as virtual agents and chatbots, with 85% of them intending to have incorporated it into their systems also by 2021. SITA said 79% of airports are using, or planning to use, AI for predictive analysis to improve operational efficiency.
“It is clear the will of the industry is to change the way we travel by improving efficiency and making the passenger journey as secure and seamless as possible. This requires a concerted and aligned drive and true collaboration,” SITA CEO, Barbara Dalibard, said last month.
In a recent survey released by World Routes 2018, Asia-Pacific airports topped the table for the largest number of record breaking routes. “The research backs up forecasts that the Asia-Pacific will be the biggest driver of passenger demand in the next 20 years,” brand director of Routes, Steven Small, said.
