Sagem Sécurité launches SmartGate in New Zealand

Sagem Sécurité launches SmartGate in New Zealand

Paris, 3rd December 2009

SmartGate, an automated border control system using facial recognition, is now available at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand. This launch is the first step of the new long term partnership signed between New Zealand Customs Service and Sagem Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) for the implementation of improved border control solutions.

Accessible to New Zealand and Australian ePassport holders, SmartGate identifies travellers in real time using facial recognition from the photo stored in the chip of the ePassport. The solution is designed to help the New Zealand Customs Service to efficiently and securely process international travellers.

“SmartGate is a welcome initiative that will improve the efficiency of trans-Tasman air travel, particularly for frequent flyers” said Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, Martyn Dunne.

“This success not only confirms the leadership of Sagem Sécurité in facial recognition technology, but also demonstrates its major role and involvement for secured border control solutions in New Zealand and Australia. A border systems technology working group comprising of Sagem Sécurité, and border control authorities in New Zealand and Australia, is to be created in order to develop further synergies and optimise co-operation in a 2-way joint relationship.” said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Sagem Sécurité.

SmartGate is the same automated system already deployed in most International Australian airports; it will additionally be rolled out in both Christchurch and Wellington International airports by mid 2010.

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Sagem Sécurité

Sagem Sécurité is a high-technology company in the Safran Group. One of the world’s leading providers of identification solutions, it is specialised in rights management and physical or logical access applications based on biometrics, a sector in which it is the world leader, plus secure terminals and smart cards. Integrated systems and equipment by Sagem Sécurité are used worldwide to ensure transport safety, data and personal security, and high-level governmental security. Through the SAFRAN Group, Sagem Sécurité operates worldwide.

In Asia Pacific, Sagem Sécurité is represented by Sagem Australasia.

For more information: www.sagem-securite.com, www.safran-group.com

ENDS

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