#FlyWashington Magazine Spring 2020 | Page 17

At Washington Dulles International and Reagan National airports, travelers are immersed in a world of technology from curb to gate. Innovative solutions found throughout the airports enhance the passenger’s journey and increase comfort and convenience. “We see our airports as small cities,” says Goutam Kundu, chief information officer for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “Our aim is to create a dynamic, connected community that responds intuitively to travelers’ needs. We serve a global population, and they expect an integrated, seamless experience while moving through the airport.” One area where passengers are benefiting directly from leading-edge technology is at the gate. Boarding international flights at Dulles and Reagan have become faster, easier, and more secure thanks to the implementation of veriScan®, a hi-tech, biometric screening solution developed by the Airports Authority. “The veriScan system was initially created in response to a congressional mandate requiring the use of facial recognition technology to screen air passengers leaving the United States,” explains Kundu. “By embracing innovation, we modernized the boarding process to make it a simpler, hassle-free experience for passengers.” With veriScan, travelers can board their flights without presenting their passport, and the technology can also eliminate the need for a printed paper boarding pass. It’s a completely digital experience that prioritizes efficiency and comfort. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association showed that respondents named “enabling innovation” and “facilitating seamless journey” as top concerns. Currently, there are almost 40 carriers who are working with veriScan, and more than one million passengers have boarded their flights using veriScan. As the number of air travelers visiting Dulles and Reagan continues its upward trend, the Airports Authority is committed to delivering even more impactful, passenger-centric innovations. SPRING 2020 15 FLYWASHINGTON.COM