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tower innovations, with early trials of trials may include mobile check-in NATS is developing a smart benefit of working with SITA is its
remote tower operations in northern and automated border processing, digital tower prototype for technology integrates with our existing
Europe showing much promise. But although the latter will be subject to Singapore’s Changi Airport. nats common-use infrastructure – check-in
even at an airport the size of Singapore governmental approval. kiosks and boarding gates – and can
Changi, NATS and partner Searidge “This is the way the world is going,” be used by any airline that operates on
Technologies are conducting a says NATS’ Kiffs. a common-use kiosk. As we progress
22-month trial of smart digital towers. “More airports and airlines across we hope to integrate with various
There are infrastructure the world are now using biometric government systems for immigration
requirements, however, Kiffs notes. applications like fingerprint and facial and border checks.”
“NATS is also working on a remote recognition technology to improve Those border checks are
digital air traffic control tower security and efficiency. According to increasingly automated too, with
demonstrator that uses high-definition SITA, 63 per cent of airports and 43 Australia and New Zealand early
cameras powered by super-fast and per cent of airlines plan to invest in entrants into the passport check kiosk
secure fibre connections. A smart biometric ID management solutions in game and still ahead of many other
digital tower, equipped with a range of the next three years.” industrialised nations.
assistive functionalities and features, “There’s no doubt it will create a Brisbane Airport, says Felten,
can actually enhance air traffic much better passenger experience, “is currently progressing a number
management and safety of runway with much shorter check-in and of Australian Government security
and ground operations, and increase boarding times as well as clearance screening strategies aimed at
operational efficiencies at airports at customs and immigration, as well enhancing the security screening
across the world.” as improving identity management process and customer experience.
which is essential for effective border These include technology upgrades
Moving biometrics beyond passport security.” which will introduce advanced
checks will go mainstream alongside Young of Adelaide Airport concurs. screening technology allowing
consumer technology “Biometrics for both departure and ‘Sydney passengers to leave larger items like
arrival is already starting to improve
It’s 2018, and every model of the international travel experience, Airport and laptops and liquid aerosols and gels
iPhone released this year uses facial (LAGs) in their carry-on bags.”
recognition software for unlocking. with quick passport processing Qantas are “In addition,” Felten notes,
Despite privacy, accuracy and now common for most travellers. “passengers will be screened and
global functionality of this kind of Biometrics will soon change the already cleared by body scanners and,
technology, it seems here to stay and domestic travel experience, from providing passengers divest all items
dropping your bag, to buying items
millions of people are now using it, to boarding your flight, just with your trialling on their person, the scanning and
helping to refine facial recognition and clearance rates can be as fast as six
to improve the way it works. face or fingerprint.” ‘couch- seconds. The combination of these
Indeed, Sydney Airport and Brisbane Airport is already in measures by late 2020 will ensure
Qantas are already trialling ‘couch- the game, says Felten. “In March to-gate’ the use of the best available screening
to-gate’ biometrics, with an initial 2017, BNE was the first airport in technology delivering faster, enhanced
Australia to trial facial recognition
phase testing check-in, bag drop, technology SmartPath by SITA. A key biometrics.’ passenger facilitation and customer
lounge access and boarding. Future experience.”

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