Hong Kong Airport Transforms Curb-to-Gate Journey with Facial Tech Revolution

Published Date: 1/08/2024

Hong Kong International Airport introduces a new express bag drop service using facial recognition technology, enabling passengers to check in their baggage in under a minute.

"Hong Kong International Airport has taken a significant leap in revolutionizing the travel experience with the introduction of a new express bag drop service. This innovative service utilizes facial recognition technology, allowing passengers to check in their baggage in less than a minute using their mobile phones. The service is currently available to travelers aged 11 or older who possess electronic travel documents, including e-passports and permits for Hong Kong and Macau residents.

To use the express bag drop service, passengers must register via their airline's mobile app and use their smartphone's NFC function to scan their passports. Upon arrival at the airport, they proceed to express bag drop counters equipped with facial recognition machines. Passengers attach luggage tags printed at the counter, scan a QR code with their phones, tap their passport again, and scan the luggage tags with the app.

According to Chris Au Young Hing-wang, the Airport Authority's general manager of innovation and data insights, Hong Kong International Airport is the first in the world to allow passengers to complete all check-in, baggage drop-off, security screening, and boarding procedures using facial recognition and mobile phones. Cathay Pacific and its budget airline HK Express are currently offering the express bag drop service to their passengers. Plans are underway to expand the service to cover 80% of all passengers within two years, with Hong Kong Airlines set to launch the service by the end of the year. Efforts are also being made to include foreign airlines, particularly from Singapore and Taiwan.

The service is part of Hong Kong's growing enthusiasm for leveraging facial recognition and other advanced technologies. The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has recently partnered with the Immigration Department to enhance public services and support the development of Hong Kong as a 'Smart City.' This collaboration focuses on using technologies like multi-camera matrix sensing, facial recognition, and AI to improve immigration clearance efficiency and service quality.

In addition, Hong Kong and Macau have introduced a system that uses QR codes and biometrics to expedite border crossings for permanent residents. This system leverages fingerprint and facial recognition technologies to streamline immigration and clearance processes, significantly enhancing traveler convenience between the two regions.

Information 

The Airport Authority is responsible for the management and operation of Hong Kong International Airport. Cathay Pacific is a Hong Kong-based airline, and HK Express is its budget airline subsidiary. The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is a research and development organization focused on advancing technology and innovation in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific is a leading airline in Asia, committed to providing exceptional service and experience to its passengers. HK Express is a budget airline subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, offering affordable and convenient travel options. The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is a research and development organization dedicated to driving innovation and technology advancement in Hong Kong."

FAQs:

"Q: What is the new express bag drop service at Hong Kong International Airport?

A: The new express bag drop service uses facial recognition technology and mobile phones to enable passengers to check in their baggage in less than a minute.

Q: Who is eligible to use the express bag drop service?

A: The service is available to travelers aged 11 or older who possess electronic travel documents, including e-passports and permits for Hong Kong and Macau residents.

Q: How does the express bag drop service work?

A: Passengers register via their airline's mobile app, scan their passports, and then proceed to express bag drop counters equipped with facial recognition machines to attach luggage tags and scan QR codes.

Q: What is the goal of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) partnership with the Immigration Department?

A: The partnership aims to enhance public services and support the development of Hong Kong as a 'Smart City' by leveraging technologies like facial recognition, AI, and multi-camera matrix sensing.

Q: What is the significance of the new system introduced for border crossings between Hong Kong and Macau?

A: The system uses QR codes and biometrics to expedite border crossings for permanent residents, enhancing traveler convenience and streamlining immigration and clearance processes."

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