Emirates has announced plans to introduce facial recognition technology to streamline the departure process at Dubai airport.
The airline is to introduce two new initiatives that will speed up check-in and immigration checks at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3.
Involving biometric technology and new automated border control gates, the two projects will be launched immediately, with completion expected within the next 12 -18 months.
They add to the existing UAEWallet functionality allowing registered users to travel through Dubai International’s e-gates by scanning their smartphone at eGates.
Biometric registration
Using a facial recognition solution integrated with the UAE Wallet, passengers will be able to register and store their biometric data through multiple means including by taking a selfie on their mobile phones, as well as using biometric registration kiosks placed at check-in areas and Emirates Lounges.
They can then use this biometric data to ease their journey through immigration at T3 Departures, and later, other touch-points throughout DXB airport, including automated access to Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges.
New ABC eGates
Additionally, new generation ABC eGates will be installed at T3 Departures, supplementing the existing e-gates, and manned immigration counters. It will also enable passengers to forgo the step of getting their passports and boarding passes manually checked by a security officer before they go through immigration, as these checks will be automatically integrated within the biometric validation as passengers pass through the ABC eGates.
“Together” Initiative
The two projects are the first from the “Together” initiative. This is a collaboration of Emirates airline, Dubai Customs, Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Police and Dubai Airports. It aims to improve the passenger experience at Emirates’ Dubai International airport hub, focussing on innovative and practical solutions that will be based on the “6s” – smart, speed, saving, service, safety, and security.
N.B. Image credit: Emirates
