Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, and NEC Corporation are going to develop a biometric data-based identification platform.
The companies signed a partnership agreement to develop a biometric data-based identification platform that they say will significantly change the passenger experience for frequent flyer members of Star Alliance member airlines.
Star Alliance says that passengers who opt-in to biometrics will have a seamless and handsfree passenger experience.
This will allow them to pass through curb-to-gate touchpoints within airports, such as check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges, and boarding gates, which require both a passport and boarding pass, by using a secure identity management solution featuring facial recognition technology – i.e tracking the passenger biometrics.
The service will be available to passengers who are enrolled in one of the Star Alliance frequent flyer programmes and who have authorised the use of their biometric data.
How it works?
StarAlliance say that passengers will have the option to enrol in the new platform.
Passengers enrol by giving their biometrics, including facial recognition, iris, fingerprints and/or others.
They only enrol once and can then use their biometrics data multiple times at biometrics touchpoints of any participating airport whenever they travel with a Star Alliance member airline.
It all sounds so easy and simple and secure.
Personal data, such as photo and other identification details, are encrypted and safely stored within the platform.
From the outset, the system has been designed in compliance with applicable data protection laws making use of the latest facial recognition technology. Personal data will only be processed with the consent of the passenger. Passengers may be required to show their passport during security and immigration procedures.
Takashi Niino, President and CEO of NEC Corporation:
“NEC is pleased to join forces with Star Alliance to bring an improved cross terminal customer experience. Facial recognition is truly revolutionising the airline industry and making flying more enjoyable, just as it was always intended. In support of this partnership, similar to our implementations in United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, NEC will mobilise its global resources and provide local assistance to each of the member airlines to leverage this secure, interoperable platform and rapidly bring our common vision to reality.”
Star Alliance and NEC aim to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.
