FLO Alliance to offer end-to-end solution for expedited airport security screening
24 April, 2006
category: Biometrics, Government
Saflink, Microsoft, Johnson Controls, Expedia Corporate Travel and ID Technology Partners have announced the official branding of their Registered Traveler program–FLO Alliance (Fast Lane Option). The alliance also announced two new partners: JP Morgan Chase and The Paradies Shops, an airport specialty shop operator.
Alliance of Industry Leaders Announces Support for TSA Registered Traveler Program
BELLEVUE, Wash.–A group of industry leaders, including Saflink Corporation, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Johnson Controls, ID Technology Partners and The Paradies Shops, have announced their intention to deliver and market FLOT (Fast Lane Option) – a solution for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Registered Traveler (RT) Program. The FLO Alliance plans to offer an integrated Registered Traveler solution that leverages the industry-leading expertise, relevant experience and marketing reach of its member companies.
The TSA’s Registered Traveler Program is designed to allow individuals who voluntarily undergo an in-depth background check, provide biometric information (such as a fingerprint or iris scan) and pay an annual fee to take advantage of expedited security screening procedures at participating U.S. airports. Enrollees would use specially designated, privately managed RT lanes, where they would be required to present and match an approved, biometrically secured identity credential.
On April 20th, the TSA announced that it is prepared for an initial rollout of RT in 10-20 airports by the 2nd half of 2006 and will concurrently explore options to expand the program to airports nationwide. The TSA also approved a basic business model for Registered Traveler. Key elements include a strong operational role for the private sector, mandatory interoperability among airport locations, an open technological platform that facilitates competition, a central information management system (known as the Transportation Security Clearinghouse managed by the American Association of Airport Executives) with robust safeguards to protect personal privacy, and substantive benefits linked to enhanced checkpoint screening measures.
TSA retains responsibility for setting key program standards and security measures-such as physical screening at the TSA checkpoint.
The FLO Alliance for Registered Traveler, initially formed in 2005, brings together industry leaders in technology, finance and facilities infrastructure and security systems, in addition to companies with broad experience marketing to businesses, consumers and the aviation industry. The Alliance’s solution provides for the complete Registered Traveler credentialing process and its operational use in airports. Built on the proven technologies of its members, the FLO Alliance RT architecture covers: the enrollment of biographic and biometric information and identity verification of participating individuals; collection of program fees; production and issuance of secure, tamper-proof FLO credentials; installation, maintenance and management of authentication platforms within aviation facilities throughout the United States; and operations management and customer service for the nationwide subscription program.
The FLO Alliance will make it convenient for those who wish to enroll in the program. As currently planned, RT applicants will be able to submit their biographic information in several ways, including enrollment kiosks in airports, a secure Web site or by mailing a paper application to a processing center. They will also be able to pay enrollment fees using a variety of methods including credit and debit cards, electronic debits to checking accounts and paper checks.
Since its formation, The FLO Alliance has added several members. JPMorgan Chase will provide application intake and processing services and collect program fees from subscribers. Chase brings its industry-leading government payments and financial systems expertise to the team, helping to offer the best solution for streamlining user enrollments.
The Paradies Shops,based in Atlanta, Georgia, operates over 500 nationally branded and uniquely branded specialty stores and convenience shops in more than 60 airports and hotels across the United States and Canada, serving more than a half-billion passengers each year. The Paradies Shops will provide FLO cardholders with promotional incentives at participating retail locations.
“The Registered Traveler Program is a significant step forward in the effort to balance aviation security and traveler convenience,” said Glenn Argenbright, CEO of Saflink. “It’s a win-win proposition for consumers, businesses, airports, airlines and for the government. While travelers enjoy a more relaxing, less time consuming security screening process, the government can focus its security resources on more likely potential threats.”
About the FLO Alliance
The FLO Alliance is a group of industry-leading companies formed to develop, market, sell and deploy an end-to-end solution for the U.S. government’s Registered Traveler Program. The Alliance’s solution is designed to provide for the complete Registered Traveler credentialing process and its operational use in airports. The FLO Alliance’s biometrically secured FLO card would allow qualified individuals to take advantage of expedited security screening procedures in designated lanes at participating airports as well as promotional offers and discounts offered by retail partners. Alliance members include Saflink Corporation, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase , Johnson Controls, The Paradies Shops, Expedia Corporate Travel and ID Technology Partners. For more information about the FLO program and Alliance, contact Luke Thomas, Saflink Sr. Dir., Registered Traveler Program at 425.278.1253 or visit www.FLOinformation.com.