Qantas and Sydney Airport have started to trial facial recognition technology which lets passengers use their face to complete most parts of their trip instead. The new technology is being trialled with passengers on select international flights operated by Qantas. For those concerned with privacy, the airport did make some positive noises, saying that consent would be “actively sought” and that it would follow the strictest privacy standards and comply with relevant legislation.
During the first phase of testing, passengers will be able to use the technology to check-in, drop off bags, access the lounge, and board the flight. For future trials, Sydney Airport may allow mobile check-in and automated border processing.
Discussing the partnership, Geoff Culbert, CEO of Sydney Airport, said:
“We’ve worked with Qantas from the outset and are delighted to be partnering with them as we trial this technology. In the future, there will be no more juggling passports and bags at check-in and digging through pockets or smartphones to show your boarding pass. Your face will be your passport and your boarding pass at every step of the process.”
Qantas’ chief customer officer, Vanessa Hudson, said that airlines and airports needed to offer faster and more convenient experiences and that Qantas was “excited to see what results the trial produces.”
Let us know in the comments what you think about this development. Are you more privacy-oriented and find this use of biometrics creepy, or do you welcome it and the convenience it might bring?
Source: CNBC
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