The U.S. Biometric Exit program has transitioned from pilot to production, marked by a recent revision of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.
This advancement signals an expansion in airport biometric systems, particularly with CBP’s Traveler Verification Service (TVS), which is undergoing compliance testing.
Airports are responding by investing in significant upgrades to their biometric infrastructure.
At the forefront of this movement is San Diego International Airport, which has enhanced its Terminal 1 with SITA’s biometric technology.
The newly revamped terminal now features an extensive array of passenger processing equipment including Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) technology at check-in areas and boarding gates.
Alongside this, it has installed 66 self-service Smart Path TS6 kiosks and biometric face pods for exit processing at select gates.
Additional upgrades include Airport Vision displays for real-time flight data and electronic signage coupled with third-party sensors that provide current wait times for security checks.
These common-use systems enable travelers to utilize check-in counters throughout the terminal without limitations tied to their specific airlines.
This setup also allows airlines to dynamically allocate services based on varying passenger demand.
SITA assures that this terminal is on track for completion within budget and timeline, crediting effective collaboration with construction partners Turner-Flatiron and Rosendin Electric for the success.
“Partnering with SITA ensured our new terminal delivers a seamless and innovative experience for our passengers,” comments Jessica Bishop, director of information and technology services at San Diego International Airport.
She highlights that SITA’s systems grant the airport flexibility to swiftly adapt to operational needs, and their collaboration was integral during the construction phase.
SITA Americas President Shawn Gregor echoes this sentiment, illustrating that the synergy of integrated technology has resulted in a passenger processing environment that enhances efficiency and experience.
Simultaneously, iProov has illustrated the tangible benefits of incorporating biometrics into passenger travel.
Statistics from the company showcase that the use of biometrics can expedite passenger processing times to under three seconds in operational settings.
In their analysis of the Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) program, they report an average of 14 passengers efficiently utilizing each EPP lane per minute, with 99 percent achieving successful biometric captures on their first attempt.
This efficiency has led to an average 65 percent reduction in wait times at locations like Orlando International Airport, with some passengers clearing border control in as little as two minutes.
The deployment of biometrics through CBP’s TVS not only enhances processing speed but also allows staff to focus on travelers requiring additional assistance.
Currently, CBP’s biometric systems are operational at 57 airports, 39 seaports, and all pedestrian lanes along America’s Southwest and Northern borders, collectively screening over 697 million travelers and preventing over 2,225 imposters from entry.
TSA’s Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl recently outlined the goal of achieving an “incredibly seamless” traveler experience, emphasizing the escalating relevance of digital IDs in the U.S.
He identifies biometrics as a vital element in modern security checks, providing a foundation for future enhancements.
Moreover, the TSA is exploring an open architecture for baggage screening, aiming to integrate various security screening companies and their algorithms to streamline processes through automation.
As technology and regulations evolve, the biometric integration into U.S. airport systems continues to reflect a significant leap forward in the pursuit of seamless travel.
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