The next time you are traveling through the Abu Dhabi International Airport, chances are that you will not need to take out your passport several times as Abu Dhabi Airports is set to launch an advanced biometric technology, which uses a passenger’s facial features as their passport to offer a seamless experience throughout their travel journey.
The technology uses smart cameras to capture an image of the passenger’s face and confirms whether they are cleared to travel. The same information is then used prior to boarding, avoiding the need to present documents again.
The first phase of the technology is currently being tested at the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) facility in Abu Dhabi International Airport, the only US immigration pre-clearance service in the region that allows passengers to clear US immigration while they are still in Abu Dhabi. It will also enable a smooth and quick airport experience upon arrival in the US.
This system, wholly financed by Abu Dhabi Airports and delivered by NEXT50, an Abu Dhabi tech-based company, will be tested on Etihad Airways flights to the US. It is Phase One of a major roll-out and will be introduced throughout the airport for all airlines in the coming months.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, the Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said: “This advanced technology provides a smooth passenger customer journey by leveraging biometric data records, which will enable travellers at Abu Dhabi International Airport to check in, clear immigration, access lounges and board their flights using only biometric data, without the need to present passports or boarding passes.”
This move comes ahead of Etihad increasing flights to John F Kennedy International Airport in New York from four to 11 flights a week from 15 November. The technology is also in place at JFK, meaning guests flying to Abu Dhabi from New York will also enjoy a seamless boarding experience.
It also showcases Abu Dhabi’s progress in biometrics, making the journey easier for its guests while maintaining stringent security.
Commenting on the new technology, Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are looking forward to leveraging the biometric technology, the first of its kind in the UAE and the world, to further enhance our passenger journey.
“The project will commence at Abu Dhabi International Airport and then transferred to the new Midfield Terminal in the future as we continue to be committed to enhancing the airport services and experience.
“We also take this opportunity to recognise Etihad, the first airline to use this technology, as well as NEXT50, our technology partner, and the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. Today’s ground-breaking announcement would not have been possible without them.”
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