Heathrow Airport is testing biometric fingerprint
readers for passengers on selected flights, in a move which could
pave the way for wider biometric border controls in UK
airports.
Travellers to Dubai and Hong Kong are being given the option of
fast-tracking through security checks if they have their
fingerprints, face and eyes biometrically scanned.
“Biometric ID systems are fundamental to securing our borders in
a more mobile age. They are crucial for counting everyone in and
out of the country,” said immigration minister Liam Byrne.
The system, called miSense, allows passengers to scan their
passport and right index finger to create an electronic key that
will allow them to board aircraft more quickly than other
passengers.
The trials will be expanded next year to test a system which
will provide border control agencies with intelligence on
passengers before they board planes.
The system is used in countries including Australia, Bahrain,
Kuwait and New Zealand to issue airlines with “authority to carry”
each passenger before they check in.
The trial will research the technical performance of the system
and its acceptability to passengers.
“Improving the passenger experience is a key objective of BAA.
The sort of technologies and systems that the miSense trails are
developing will not only reduce passenger queuing but also further
strengthen aviation security,” said a BAA spokesperson.
Suppliers Accentutre, IER, Ratheon, nCipher and Sagem have
developed the technology used in the trial, which forms part of the
International Air Transport Assocation's simplifying passenger
travel programme.
More information at:
www.misense.org