Emirates has launched a package
of biometric technologies at Dubai International Airport to give passengers a
seamless journey from check-in to boarding gates, with fewer document
checks and less queuing.
As part of the development,
it is opening a “smart tunnel” at Emirates’
premium lounge entrance at concourse B in conjunction with the General
Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs. Passengers walk through the tunnel
- which it is calling a world first - and are “cleared” by immigration
authorities without human intervention or the need for a physical passport
stamp.
The system uses a mix of facial and iris recognition to offer “a hygienic, contactless travel journey, reducing human interaction and putting emphasis on health and safety”.
Biometric touchpoints
are currently installed at selected first, business and economy class check-in
desks in the airport’s terminal 3.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief
operating officer said: “We have always focused on providing a great customer
experience at any touchpoint and now it is more vital than before to make use
of technology and implement products, and introduce processes that focuses not
only on fast tracking customers, but more importantly on health and safety
during their travel journey.
“The state-of-the-art, contactless biometric path
is the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to make sure that travelling
on Emirates is a seamless journey and gives customers added peace of mind.”
Emirates has also
received approval for biometric boarding from the US Customs and Border
Protection for passengers travelling from Dubai to US destinations.