Volume 9
For the air transport industry this focus presents an opportunity to balance efficiency with effectiveness by dramatically improving the way passengers ’ identities are validated .
Being able to quickly confirm that that the people presenting themselves for travel are who they say they are , and that they are authorized to travel , has benefits both for the passenger and governments seeking to secure their borders .
Checkpoint of the Future
Champions Edition
These efficiencies are the result of the government agencies working together with airports , airlines and global industry IT providers , such as SITA , to deliver the best solution for all .
SITA continues to move air travel into the digital age and is exploring single-token travel as part of its ongoing research .
Numerous products using single biometric tokens are being trialed worldwide , including SITA Smart Path™ , which has been trialed at a major airport hub in the Middle East with further proofsof-concept planned for other leading international airports .
APC kiosks provided by SITA , the global provider of border security and IT solutions to governments , airlines and airports .
Here in the U . S . the vision is already being realized . The FAA reauthorization bill provides the framework to redefine how we use technologies to move people safely and securely through airports .
Similar initiatives using biometric technology to process passengers faster and more securely are already available for international travelers arriving in the U . S ., many of whom are spending up to 40 percent less time in line because of the implementation of Automated Passport Control kiosks .
( The future of air travel – where we can truly begin to provide a walkthrough experience from check-in to the aircraft door – is fast becoming a reality . The emergence of ‘ single token travel ’ is probably the most exciting development for passengers hoping to fast-track through the airport . Courtesy of SITA and YouTube )
A key advantage of the new technology is its ability to integrate with existing airport infrastructure – including industry standard common-use self-service equipment , such as check-in kiosks , bag drop units , gates for secure access , boarding and automated border and passport control . This makes rapid deployment easy and cost-effective . Smart Path also integrates with government systems and databases , allowing integrated and comprehensive immigration and border checks .
What ’ s next ?
A single travel token that works at all airports and across all borders is the ultimate goal .
SITA imagines passengers creating a verifiable , 61