Frankfurt Airport Becomes First in Europe to Implement Facial Recognition System for Passenger Check-In
Frankfurt Airport is set to become the first in Europe to introduce a facial recognition procedure as part of the check-in process for all departing passengers. The airport will utilize the Smart Path technology, currently available only to Lufthansa airline passengers and its affiliated Star Alliance partners on select routes, as reported by Euronews.
Passengers of Lufthansa have responded positively to this technology, and now it will be accessible to all travelers. With this system, during the flight check-in process, travelers can use their faces instead of passports or identity documents to confirm their passenger status. This will significantly expedite the check-in process and help avoid long queues.
To utilize this service, passengers must first register in the Star Alliance biometric app or at the registration kiosk using biometric passports. The entire process takes only a few seconds. Subsequently, the passenger's face will be scanned at security checkpoints, eliminating the need to present documents.
The Smart Path facial recognition system has already been tested by 12,000 passengers during the trial phase. Conventional check-in methods will also remain available, as announced by the airport.
"Our goal is to equip at least 50% of all registration machines, boarding pass control, and departure gates with this innovative technology in the coming months," said Pierre-Dominique Prüm, a member of the Fraport executive board responsible for infrastructure.
The company Sita, which developed this technology, stated that all personal information will be deleted three hours after the flight's departure. According to Sita, 75% of travelers are happy to use this new technology after its implementation.
It's worth noting that during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the launch of air taxis is planned. Special aircraft resembling a hybrid between a helicopter and a drone will be used for this purpose. Currently, there are already five special takeoff platforms around Paris, and one platform is located on a floating barge on the Seine.