Innovative technology helps improve the passenger experience at Heathrow

Passengers at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 1 have been invited to trial ‘self boarding’ through an e-gate controlled by the Passenger Authentication Scanning System (PASS) developed by Atkins with HAL. PASS uses facial biometric data to assure the identity of passengers, and help them board their flight faster and more efficiently.

Atkins’ project director, Dr Nick Whitehead, said: “This system increases the certainty with which Heathrow can identify passengers, improving security and the overall passenger experience in the airport. We are delighted to help Heathrow in using this innovative technology to improve the passenger journey.”

PASS uses infra-red facial recognition technology developed by Aurora to capture passengers’ biometric data in any lighting condition, ensuring that the person who checked-in is the person who boards the plane.

The self boarding trial, which will end 25 March 2013, is run in partnership with South African Airways. So far, over 300 South African Airways passengers have taken part in the trial.

Heathrow’s Terminal 1 director, Ian Hanson, said: “We are working in partnership with our airlines to trial this technology which should help make our passengers’ journeys smoother and simpler. Since its introduction we have had positive feedback from both airlines and passengers.”

For more information on the Terminal 1 trial, visit http://mediacentre.heathrowairport.com/Press-releases/Heathrow-leads-the-world-in-passenger-boarding-486.aspx

For more information on PASS, visit http://www.atkinsglobal.co.uk/en/sectors-and-services/services/identitymanagement