Frankfurt Airport has implemented facial recognition systems, from check-in to boarding, for passengers from all airlines.
“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,” Pierre Dominique Prümm, Executive Board member Aviation and Infrastructure at Fraport AG said in an official statement.
Travellers can register their biometric information in advance, using the Star Alliance app or at an airport kiosk. SITA’s Smart Path biometric system, using NEC’s I:Delight digital identity management system, will receive the data, allowing passengers’ faces to act as their boarding passes and passports through checkpoints and boarding gates.
Previously, this biometric technology was only available to Lufthansa and Star Alliance passengers. Now, FRA is the first in Europe to offer biometric systems to all passengers, regardless of their airline, reports simpleyflying.com.
“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,” said Prümm.
The system is being used by 12 000 passengers and expanding into areas such as check-in, boarding pass control and boarding gates. By early 2024, Frankfurt hopes to have biometric touchpoints across 50% of the airport.
According to David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, 75% of passengers embrace biometrics when it is offered, as the automated checkpoints speed up airport journeys significantly.
“We have seen that the more we can automate the passenger journey in the airport, the better the experience. Biometric touchpoints significantly speed up the mandatory steps in the airport, giving passengers more time to relax before the flight rather than waiting in line,” said Lavorel.
The biometric system is ranked the most accurate facial recognition software in the world.
The airport says the system cannot replace staff and that airport personnel will be on hand to assist travellers who are uncomfortable with using the technology.
