Emirates has announced the launch of the world’s first “biometric path” at Dubai International airport, which offers its customers a smooth and seamless airport journey.
Making a debut at the airline’s hub, the Emirates will utilise the latest biometric technology with a mix of facial and iris recognition.
Through this innovation, the airline passengers can check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Lounge, and board their flights, simply by strolling through the airport.
The latest biometric equipment has already been installed at Emirates Terminal 3 of the airport, says a media report.
The equipment can be found at select check-in counters, at the Emirates Lounge in Concourse B for premium passengers, and at select boarding gates.
The Emirates, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), launched the trials for the smart tunnel on 10 October in a project.
It is a world-first for passport control, where passengers simply walk through a tunnel and are “cleared” by immigration authorities without human intervention or the need for a physical passport stamp.
Once its internal tests are completed, the carrier will shortly launch trials for biometric processing at the other key customer points at the airport.
“We are now satisfied with the preliminary work we have carried out and are ready to commence live trials of the world’s first biometric path at Emirates Terminal 3,” Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, said.
Emirates’ “biometric path” will improve customer experience and customer flow through the airport with less document checks and less queuing.
Eventually, the “live” passenger tracking capability will also improve security and the airline’s ability to deliver even better and more personalised services.
For instance, enabling the Emirates airport team to locate and assist ‘late’ customers who would otherwise miss their flights.
The airline’s “biometric path” will cover departures, arrivals, transit, chauffeur drive connections, and lounge access in Dubai.