British Airways is trialling self-service biometric boarding gates on international flights from Los Angeles in a bid to make the aircraft boarding process smoother and quicker.
The British carrier says it is the first airline to use the technology — created by Portugal-based Vision Box — on flights out of the US .
It hopes the Los Angeles Airport-led will make the departure process smoother and significantly reduce the time it takes to board an aircraft.
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The biometric technology uses facial recognition and means passengers no longer need to present their passport or boarding pass at the gate – only at check-in and security.
Instead, they look at a camera prior to boarding and walk on to the aircraft once their biometric data has been verified.
The system, which builds on technology already in use at Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport, uses a high definition camera to recognise a passenger’s unique facial features. This is then reconciled with a digital facial scan taken as part of the immigration process.
Three gates have been installed as part of the project and BA says it is the only airline to offer purely biometric boarding to its customers.
“Our customers want the ability to simplify and speed up their journeys through the airport, so we’re investing in the most advanced technology that will enable us to streamline our boarding process and further improve our punctuality,’’ British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience Carolina Martinoli said in a statement.
“We’re using biometric technology that consumers are now familiar with and trust because it delivers a convenient, reliable and secure experience. This step forward to modernize our operation is a first in the industry, and we will continue to work with airports around the world to evolve this technology, and revolutionize the way in which people travel.”
The partners are working with the Customs and Boarder Protection Agency and the US government to ensure the system is secure and Los Angeles Airport officials say they have been impressed with the results so far.
Facial recognition is being tested in a number of scenarios in airports around the world.
Technology company SITA in March launched an Australian first trial with Brisbane Airport and Air New Zealand of facial recognition technology it believes will transform travel.
Like the Vision Box system, the SITA Smart Path technology uses biometrics to allow passengers to present their details at a self-service check-in kiosk and use an automated boarding gate to verify their identity using facial recognition to access the aircraft.
Separately, BA on Tuesday announced a new codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines that gives its passengers increased access to China.
The deal means the airline will codeshare on China Southern flights to four Chinese destinations: Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun and Dalian.
Its passengers can connect on to Shenyang and Harbin through Shanghai and to Dalian through Beijing. They can connect on to Changchun through either Shanghai or Beijing.
British Airways offers 10 weekly flights to Shanghai and a daily service to Beijing from London Heathrow.
