Star Alliance plans to develop a biometric identification platform

Star Alliance has announced plans to develop a biometric data-based identification platform “that will significantly improve the travel experience for frequent flyer programme customers of Star Alliance member airline”.

The alliance will partner with IT, network and biometric technologies firm NEC Corporation, allowing customers to “pass through curb-to-gate touchpoints within airports, such as check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges, and boarding gates, which traditionally require both a passport and boarding pass, by using a secure identity management solution featuring facial recognition technology”.

The service will be available to passengers who are enrolled in one of the Star Alliance frequent flyer programmes, and who have authorised the use of their biometric data.