Heathrow Airport has begun trialling new biometric technology in Terminal 3 until the end of January 2007. The system, called miSense, involves scanning the passenger”s passport and their right index fingerprint into a miSense self-service kiosk at the check-in desk. The stored information will then allow the passenger fast-track services through airport security and boarding.
The trial is currently on offer to selected Cathay Pacific and Emirates passengers, in conjunction with airport authorities and immigration services in the UK, Dubai and Hong Kong.
The next phase of the trial involves miSenseplus ” a system that uses the stored biometric information as part of an international registered traveller programme to speed up immigration on flights to and from the UK. Passengers flying from Terminal 3 can enrol in the miSenseplus trial providing they are a European Economic Area national, are over 18, have held a passport for at least six months and pass UK Government background checks.
Those enrolling in miSenseplus will have 10 fingerprints taken, two iris and one facial image. Once enrolled you receive a membership card to allow fast-track services through immigration when departing and arriving.
The third and final phase of the trial is called miSenseallclear, and involves technology that is already well established in Australia, Bahrain, Kuwait and New Zealand. The system uses Advance Passenger Information (iAPI) to automatically provide border control with intelligence on passengers before they board the aeroplane by enabling real-time interaction between airline and government databases.
The trial involves cooperation by a number of parties, including Accenture, BAA, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, the Home Office, IER, Raytheon Systems, Sagem D”fense S”curit” and SITA.