Biometric trial begins at Manchester Airport
15 November, 2010
category: Biometrics, Government
The trial of the UK’s Biometrics in Motion program has begun at Manchester Airport where travelers will be able to use the new technology that authenticates identity via iris recognition without the user having to stop at a kiosk, according to a Flightline article.
Passengers using Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport will be asked for participation following their check-in by registering their iris so that the system can try to identify them as they enter the security search area.
Should the trial, which is slated to last two weeks, be successful, officials see potential for a number of applications including enabling international travelers stopping at airports like Manchester for layovers to mix with domestic travelers while the Biometric in Motion system tracks those that are international travelers as well as simply speed up identification for travelers in general.
Mike Fazackerley, Manchester Airport’s Product Director, has said that while there is an interest in improving security at the airports with such technology, they are also very interested in improving traveler experiences in airports. Further, officials hope that a permanent installation of such a system with the right applications could improve how Manchester Airport is seen by airlines leading to it becoming a more prevalent hub for international flight layovers.
Read the full story here.