Facial recognition piloted throughout entire journey at KLIA

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has introduced a Single Token Journey concept, utilising facial recognition technology to provide passengers with one single identification verification which allows them to pass through each airport touchpoint, from check-in to the boarding gate; ultimately improving the travel experience for passengers.

Captain Izham Ismail, CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group, said: “The single-token journey concept is a collaboration with Malaysia Airports, which will allow our passengers to enjoy reduced check-in time and identity verification within seconds. As this is the trial period, we will make this option available first to passengers flying into Tokyo and Osaka to gather feedback and monitor their acceptance rate. The single token will also help to manage the queue at our check-in counters, especially during peak periods, and we hope to fully adopt this system by quarter four of 2020.”

Facial recognition scanners have been installed at two check-in counters and e-gates have been placed at the security screening touchpoints and boarding gates. In order to verify their ‘token’ at each touchpoint, passengers will only need to allow the facial recognition technology to scan their faces – there will no longer be any need for the presentation of passports or boarding passes.

Set to be piloted for three months, the concept is part of a collaboration between the airport, Malaysia Airlines and SITA. Passengers travelling on two daily Malaysia Airlines flights to Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport will be able to participate in the trial. 

Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, said: “Our main focus in moving forward is to strengthen Malaysia’s position as an aviation hub. We will ensure that services at our airports are at par with other mega hubs around the world. Harnessing technology for this purpose is one way we can simplify airport processes for our guests. This initiative is especially timely in view of Visit Malaysia 2020. We expect to have a successful pilot so that we can implement this in totality at KLIA.”