The world’s largest airline alliance Star Alliance and NEC Corp. have inked a partnership deal to develop a biometric data-based identification platform.
The interoperable platform enhances the Star Alliance and NEC strategic vision of providing their customers with a seamless journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within the travel ecosystem, NEC said.
Once the platform is introduced, Star Alliance customers who opt in to biometrics will gain access to a hands-free passenger experience, allowing them to pass through curb-to-gate touchpoints within airports, which traditionally require both a passport and boarding pass, by using a secure identity management solution featuring facial recognition technology.
The service will be available to customers enrolled in one of the Star Alliance frequent flyer programs and who have authorized the use of their biometric data.
“NEC is pleased to join forces with Star Alliance to bring an improved cross terminal customer experience,” said Takashi Niino, president and CEO of NEC Corp. “Facial recognition is truly revolutionizing the airline industry and making flying more enjoyable, just as it was always intended. In support of this partnership, similar to our implementations in United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, NEC will mobilize its global resources and provide local assistance to each of the member airlines to leverage this secure, interoperable platform and rapidly bring our common vision to reality.”
Star Alliance and NEC expect to launch the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.