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Biometrics are the future in travel - if the industry can coordinate, warns CEO

Source: Fin24, 16/06/2019

Guevara took part in a panel discussion at the 75th annual general
meeting of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) in
Seoul, South Korea.
Biometric technology is the measurement and analysis of people`s
unique physical and behavioral characteristics, mainly used for
identification and access control.
In Guevara`s view, it is crucial to define global standards for the
use of technology in the traveller`s journey as fast as possible, and
the WTTC is working with Iata to introduce biometric technology in
non-aviation areas seamlessly.
One ID
Research has found a fragmented approach to the use of biometrics in
the industry, with at least 53 different implementations and trials in
six regions across the world. The WTTC supports a resolution taken at
the Iata AGM to encourage the faster global implementation of
biometric passenger recognition.
Guevara urged the aviation industry leaders gathered at the event to
support the Iata One ID initiative and assign resources to support the
global pursuit of common standards and inter-operability for the
benefit of the entire travel and tourism sector.
Guevara is, therefore, concerned that this creates competing agendas
and no end-to-end, seamless journey is currently being developed.
On the other hand, the benefits of an inter-operability approach would
include increased security, as well as a better and more efficient
traveller journey, in her view.
Early advantage
`Those companies which support and adopt biometrics early will have a
competitive advantage in the market, so itâ€™s up to the airlines to
support Iata in this important task,` said Guevara.
She said it was recently reported that 71% of airlines and 77% of
airports are currently investing in either researching or implementing
biometric programmes.
`We applaud each of these efforts while also calling for the aviation
industry to overcome fragmentation,` she said.
`Governments around the world are waiting for the private sector to
align around a common standard and framework that can work across the
entire travel and tourism sector regardless of the individual
technology provider.`
Guevara cautioned that, if the industry ends up with multiple
solutions in each country which do not connect with each other, the
costs will be significant and create a risk of losing the very
benefits which biometric technology can bring.
`Rather than operating in silos, it is crucial that we work together
in pursuit of the common aim of finding a solution that will support
the full end-to-end seamless traveller journey incorporating multiple
airports, multiple airlines, car hire companies, hotels, booking
agents, cruises and other players in the travel ecosystem,` she said.
`This will allow us to have higher-level support from governments and
to move faster to achieve higher growth.`

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