Unisys Predicts Increasing Use of Biometric ID

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Unisys Predicts Increasing Use of Biometric Identity Verification in Air Passenger Self-Service Processes

Integrating biometrics into aviation self-service processes can improve security while maintaining convenience and cost efficiency in air travel

As airlines and airports work to balance traveller convenience with the need for security, they will increasingly integrate advanced biometrics-based identity authentication technologies into the growing range of self-service processes within air travel, such as passenger and baggage check-in kiosks, predicts Unisys (NYSE: UIS).

“Self service processes have extended deeper into the air travel cycle – from online flight reservations in the 1990s through to today’s passenger and luggage check-in kiosks at domestic airports just prior to boarding a flight,” said Sury Chavali, Partner for the Pacific Airports Practice, Unisys Asia Pacific. “This self-service approach offers great convenience to air travellers, allowing them to book and buy at any time of day and avoid long check-in queues at the airport. Similarly they help airlines and airports reduce costs and speed passenger flow. However, self-check in services can create security vulnerabilities if it is not adequately verified that passengers boarding aircraft are who they say they are.”

According to Chavali, the issue is not the self-service nature of the process; it is the lack of adequate identity authentication in the check-in process, whether that is being done via the internet, a kiosk or an airline customer service representative.

“The customer’s desire for convenience, combined with an expectation of greater security, is creating an environment where biometric-based identity authentication at airports will be more readily accepted by passengers – particularly if it is optional, such as a registered traveller scheme, rather than mandated,” said Mr Chavali.

“In the past few years mobile technology has further simplified the customer check-in and boarding experience via barcodes delivered to and accessed on a smartphone. Most recently we have seen airlines use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in bag tags for frequent flyers to facilitate self-service baggage check-in. This trend will continue – so it is essential the verification of passenger identity keeps up with it,” Mr Chavali said.

Consumer readiness for opt-in biometric-based identity programmes is underscored by recent findings in the Unisys Security Index research which found that consumers worldwide are willing to sacrifice some level of privacy to increase safety when traveling by air. For example 77 percent of New Zealanders, 91 percent of citizens in the UK, 85 percent of Australians and 57 percent of U.S. citizens said they would provide biometric data to increase flight security.

The Unisys Next Generation Airport Passenger Security Solution is an example of integrating biometric-based identity authentication into air traveler self-processing. It is being demonstrated at booth 31 at the Airports Council International Asia Pacific Regional Assembly 6-7 April in New Delhi, India.

About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology company. We provide a portfolio of IT services, software, and technology that solves critical problems for clients. We specialise in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilisation of their data centres, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernise their enterprise applications. To provide these services and solutions, we bring together offerings and capabilities in outsourcing services, systems integration and consulting services, infrastructure services, maintenance services, and high-end server technology. With approximately 23,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organisations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
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