Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, and tech giant NEC Corporation have signed a partnership agreement to enhance passenger experience through biometric data recognition technology, specifically facial recognition.
The two entities will be developing a biometric data-based identification platform to improve the travel experience of Star Alliance member airlines’ frequent flyers.
The interoperable platform advances the Star Alliance and NEC’s vision of delivering a smooth customer journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within the travel ecosystem.
What this means:
Once implemented, customers will be given the option to opt in to biometrics and have a hands-free passenger experience. Access to check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges, and boarding gates will be seamless.
Traditionally, passengers required both a boarding pass and passport to gain access, but the secure identity management solution with facial recognition technology changes all that.
How it works:
Customers can easily enrol in the new platform on their mobile phones. The system uses industry-leading security technology so your information is safe. You only need to enrol once; after that, you can use your biometrics data multiple times at biometrics touch points in any participating airports, provided you’re travelling with a Star Alliance member airline.
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.
Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance, said, ‘In NEC, we have found a strong partner who shares our vision of a seamless travel experience for air travellers.
‘At Star Alliance we are committed to making the customer journey better, and this strategic partnership with NEC will help us make the way from curb to gate to aircraft a much simpler, yet innovative experience for our customers.’
Star Alliance and NEC aim to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.
Image: Pixabay
