SITA Rolls Out Facial Biometrics for Thailand's One ID Program

Published Date : 04/11/2024 

Air travelers in Thailand can now use facial biometric systems provided by SITA to navigate various airport checkpoints, reducing the need for traditional ID checks. 

Air travelers in Thailand have started using facial biometric systems from SITA to pass through airport checkpoints, eliminating the need for traditional ID checks.

This new system, which began on Friday, is part of a larger plan to enhance passenger processing efficiency and is set to roll out for international passengers by December 1.

The Airports of Thailand (AOT), the national aviation authority, has implemented this system to minimize the use of boarding passes and passports, making the travel experience faster and more convenient.

A SITA representative confirmed that the company's S5 self-service kiosks have been deployed for check-ins.

The AOT plans to install 1,200 biometric touchpoints across various airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

These touchpoints consist of five common use passenger processing systems (CUPPS) that cover ticket checks, check-ins, baggage handling, passenger ID validation, and flight boarding.

The facial biometrics system is being deployed in line with the standards of the International Air Transport Authority's (IATA's) One ID program.

All facial recognition data will be deleted once the journey is complete, ensuring passenger privacy.

Skift reports that 84 percent of tourists, who play a crucial role in Thailand’s economy, arrive by air.

With passenger volumes expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2025, this biometric system aims to streamline the travel process and improve overall efficiency.

In addition to its work in Thailand, SITA is also enhancing passenger processing at the Singapore Cruise Center.

The company is deploying Smart Path and Flex systems, installing 45 SITA Smart Path Kiosks, Bag Drop solutions, TS6 kiosks, and Smart Path gates.

This initiative is part of the broader One ID initiative to improve the passenger experience from check-in to boarding.

SITA has also secured a deal with Air Niugini, Papua New Guinea's flag carrier, to connect its six international airports and sales offices with the company’s Connect Go Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

This deployment is expected to increase average bandwidth availability by about 40 times.

Air Niugini CEO Gary Seddon states that the airline is the first in the APAC region to adopt SITA’s edge infrastructure platform.

Moreover, SITA has partnered with Accelya, an airline software provider, to integrate its contactless biometrics for digital retailing into the FLX ONE platform.

Accelya’s Offer, Order, Settle Deliver (OOSD) solution, FLX ONE Delivery, will be integrated with SITA’s Flex APIs to streamline airport operations and provide a seamless digital experience for customers.

SITA recently promoted Nathalie Altwegg to Senior Vice President of its Airports business unit to help expand the company’s presence in the international airports market. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the One ID program by IATA?

A: The One ID program by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) aims to streamline passenger processing at airports by using biometric data to identify travelers, reducing the need for paper documents and improving efficiency.

Q: Which airports in Thailand are using the facial biometric systems?

A: The facial biometric systems are being deployed at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports.

Q: How does the facial biometric system benefit passengers?

A: The facial biometric system minimizes the need for boarding passes and passports, making the travel process faster and more convenient. It also enhances security and reduces the risk of fraud.

Q: What is the role of SITA in this deployment?

A: SITA is providing the facial biometric systems, including S5 self-service kiosks and security gates, to support the One ID program at Thai airports.

Q: What are the privacy measures in place for the facial biometric data?

A: All facial recognition data is deleted once the journey is complete, ensuring passenger privacy and compliance with data protection regulations. 

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