Ascend Summer 2019 | Page 16

NATIONAL RISE INTERNATIONAL GROWTH Delta Airlines is leading the way with the launch of a fully-integrated biometric terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Delta has shown a commitment to implementing emerging technologies and was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies Worldwide” in 2018. In addition, the airline owns a 5% stake in CLEAR. Delta is also testing a self-service luggage kiosk that will scan your face and verify your passport so you can check your own bag. Peter Vlitas, Travel Leaders’ SVP of Airline Relations, notes, “Travel Leaders partners with Delta because we both share a vision of innovation and service, both key components of our value proposition.” Their “curb-to-gate” facial recognition system for international travelers in Atlanta’s airport started in December 2018 and will be available in the Detroit Metropolitan Airport this year. Although customers like the convenience of biometric shortcuts, a 2018 Brookings poll showed that 44% of respondents viewed such systems unfavorably, as opposed to 31% who thought favorably of them with privacy as the major concern. Insiders believe that these stats will change over time to a more favorable stance once travelers experience how biometric technology significantly expedites their journeys. Other airports are also test-driving biometrics in the hopes of implementing a broader plan. At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), they just concluded a pilot program with American Airlines, allowing passengers to use facial recognition to enhance international departures at Terminal 4. And at Tampa International Airport (TPA), three international gates at Airside F will include biometric screening for all international passengers with the hopes of expanding to 10 gates by 2020. Once implemented, passengers can simply choose to be identified with facial recognition technology to board, all without ever showing their passport at the gate. The swell in biometric technology is not just an American fad–it’s taking the whole world by storm. British Airways—which has already successfully used biometric technology to board more than three million passengers on domestic flights— will now implement the technology for international flights from Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airline has installed self-service boarding gates in their international terminal, decreasing the boarding time for passengers by 50%. Trials are also underway at Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Sydney Airport (SYD), where, according to technology provider SITA, linking a traveler’s face to their travel documents reduces checking in and boarding times by a whopping 70%! And at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Emirates is mixing facial and iris recognition software to launch a “biometric path,” creating a seamless experience for passengers to check in for their flight, pass through immigration, access the always popular Emirates Lounge and then board their flights. 14