Aruba installs automated Border Control eGates

Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba has announced the extension of its Aruba Happy Flow project with automated Border Control eGates at both Arrivals and Departures.

Queen Beatrix International Airport has announced the extension of the first 100 percent self-service passenger flow known as the Aruba Happy Flow project with the introduction of Border Control eGates at both Arrivals and Departures. The Aruba Happy Flow pilot project has been operational for a year welcoming passengers from 28 different countries. The unique contactless experience has resulted in fast and convenient passenger processing, decreased waiting times and reduced anxiety for travellers.

To take further advantage of the potential of the ABC technology available and to get even better results in the scope of this modernisation programme, Aruba Airport Authority (AAA), manager and operator of the Aruba Airport, decided to expand the solution, delivered by electronic identity solutions provider Vision-Box, at both Arrivals and Departures with new Automated Border Control eGates. The goal is to streamline the flow of all passengers even further, especially during the peak tourist seasons. The ABC eGates in operation alongside the Aruba Happy Flow eGates at Arrivals have already processed to date more than 130,000 passengers from 33 different countries.

Automated Border Control eGates will improve passenger processing and decrease waiting times

In December 2015, a dedicated Automated Border Control area was inaugurated for USA Departures, to address the increasing flow of American passengers who see Aruba as an attractive tourist destination.

The upgrade is a significant enhancement for the Aruba Immigration Services (IASA), with common-use biometric passenger touch points and a powerful software suite integrating the entire infrastructure and monitoring all passenger operations. Integrated with IASA’s system, a full-fledged management platform allows operating officers to monitor all Automated Border Control eGates through a smartphone, supervising all operations and passenger processing status, biometric captures, identification document security features and authentication response, results of background checks, VISA status, among other possibilities.

Aruba Happy Flow Check-in Kiosk

Furthermore, the inspector software integrates data related to the announced digital Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card), a new convenient and green alternative to the existing paper version, which can be easily completed by the passengers with the required information before embarking on their journey. This means that, as soon as this digital document becomes mandatory, the ABC eGates will only clear passengers upon Arrival that have successfully submitted their ED-card, in addition to all the checks already being performed.

Jean-François Lennon, Vice-President for Global Business Development & Sales of Vision-Box, comments: “Aruba is riding the crest of the wave of passenger experience! Having given stage to the first ever 100% self-service passenger journey, Queen Beatrix International Airport is having the privilege to feel what Aruba Happy Flow is about: happy, returning passengers. Adding the recent expansion of eGates is just a natural step towards increased efficiency, safety and a welcoming passenger-friendly airport. At Vision-Box we are really proud to have embarked on this life-changing journey!”