Star Alliance has partnered with the NEC Corporation, a global IT, network and biometric technology company. The new partnership will develop a biometric data-based identification platform, improving the travel experience of Star Alliance’s frequent flyer programme members.
Once it is implemented, Star Alliance customers who opt in will have a hands-free experience, passing through check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges and boarding gates that traditionally require passports and boarding passes using facial recognition technology instead.
Customers can enrol in the platform via their mobile device. Enrolment only needs to happen once and personal data is encrypted and safely stored within the platform. The system has been designed in line with data protection laws. Passengers may still be required to produce their passport during security and immigration.
The service will also increase efficiency for Star Alliance member airlines and will be available for Star Alliance frequent flyer programme members who have authorised the use of their biometric data. The partners hope to have the system in place at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.
