Enabling Frictionless Travel with Biometrics

The adoption of biometrics is still at a nascent stage in the industry. But a few airlines have already begun investing in fingerprint and facial recognition technology. Currently, the technology is being tested in areas such as check-in, security, lounge access and boarding.
If the associated privacy concerns around data are addressed by airlines, biometrics will deliver multiple benefits including shorter waiting time for passengers.

SITA and Fraport are enabling all airlines at Frankfurt Airport to jointly use face biometrics as identification from check-in to boarding the aircraft. Frankfurt is the first airport in Europe to offer biometric touchpoints to all airline passengers, enabling streamlined, frictionless passage throughout the airport. The whole registration process only takes a few seconds.

Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm, Fraport AG’s Executive Director Aviation and Infrastructure, said: “Together with Lufthansa and the Star Alliance airlines, we have been offering this innovative service since 2020, an experience – with the help of SITA and NEC – which will now be extended to all airlines. We are the first European airport to offer all passengers a contactless and convenient passenger journey using biometrics. Our goal for the coming months is to equip at least 50% of all check-in kiosks, pre-security, and boarding gates with the new and pioneering technology.”
Having said all of that, Dubai is in the geocentric position of all this.

In an interview shedding light on the broader perspective in the Middle East, Paul Griffith, CEO of Dubai Airports discusses the expansion plans for Dubai airports. He mentions “The region has been underdeveloped in terms of its tourism potential but is now starting to mature. The investments, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia, are of a scale and ambition that is unprecedented. If we can process passengers more efficiently through check-in and security and get them through to the retail areas using technology rather than doubling the size of the facility and the resources needed, everyone benefits,” he said.

“Developing local talent to support the airport’s growth is also fundamental to Griffiths’ vision. “We have consistently employed graduate trainees and our growing body of UAE national talent is something I’m immensely proud of,” he said. Adding that the skills these graduates bring to the business are invaluable, he noted, “their whole approach, thought process, views on sustainability and use of social media are radically different from the older generation and can’t be ignored.”

Can we overlook these fundamental concerns while relishing a hassle-free travel experience? Are companies considering providing us with greater transparency?
Balancing enhanced security with individual privacy is a primary concern, requiring ongoing efforts to address regulatory compliance and build public trust. The risk of data breaches and cyber threats associated with the storage of sensitive biometric information necessitates robust cybersecurity measures. Achieving standardization and interoperability across different biometric systems at airports poses a challenge for seamless implementation. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of biometric technology, addressing cost considerations, and adapting to continuous technological evolution are critical factors. Education and training initiatives for passengers and staff, along with transparent communication about the benefits and safeguards, are essential to overcoming challenges and fostering the acceptance of biometrics in the travel industry.