Star Alliance and NEC partner up for biometric identification

Star Alliance and NEC Corporation, a global company with interests in IT, network and biometric technologies, has signed a partnership agreement to develop a biometric data-based identification platform for frequent flyer programme customers of member airlines.

The interoperable platform advances the Star Alliance and NEC strategic vision of delivering a seamless customer journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within the travel ecosystem. Star Alliance and NEC aim to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.

Once implemented, Star Alliance customers who opt-in to biometrics will have a seamless and handsfree passenger experience, allowing them to pass through curb-to-gate touch points within airports, such as check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges, and boarding gates, 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 who are enrolled in one of the Star Alliance frequent flyer programmes and who have authorised the use of their biometric data.

“Facial recognition is revolutionising airline industry.”

Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance said: “This strategic partnership will help us make the way from the gate to aircraft a much simpler, yet innovative experience for our customers.”

Takashi Niino, president and CEO of NEC Corporation added: “Facial recognition is truly revolutionising the airline industry and making flying more enjoyable, just as it was always intended. In support of this partnership, similar to our implementations in the US, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, NEC will mobilise 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.”