JetBlue to unveil new facial recognition self-boarding technology

TINNews |

US-based carrier JetBlue is set to collaborate with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and global IT provider SITA to test a new paperless and deviceless self-boarding technology.

JetBlue plans to introduce the new facial recognition technology as part of its ongoing trials to implement a biometric exit process in the future.

Slated to commence this month, the new programme will be implemented on flights operating from Boston’s Logan International Airport to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Passengers will able to use the biometric self-boarding process without any prior enrolment or registration.

Travellers using the system can step up to a camera for a photo, which will be sent to CBP through a custom-designed camera station to instantly match the image to passport, visa or immigration photos in the US agency’s database and verify flight details.

"We hope to learn how we can further reduce friction points in the airport experience, with the boarding process being one of the hardest to solve."

An integrated screen located above the camera will notify the customer when they are cleared to proceed to the jet bridge.

JetBlue customer experience executive vice-president Joanna Geraghty said: “We hope to learn how we can further reduce friction points in the airport experience, with the boarding process being one of the hardest to solve.

“Self-boarding eliminates boarding pass scanning and manual passport checks. Just look into the camera and you’re on your way.”

SITA is providing technology and connectivity to perform facial capture and incorporation with the CBP database, in addition to integration with JetBlue’s departure control system.

If successful, the technology is expected to make boarding processes simple and easy for passengers and improve US national security.