Smile! Airlines checking out your face with biometric data recognition tech

In Germany, Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, and NEC Corporation, a leader in IT, network and biometric technologies, signed a partnership agreement to develop a biometric data-based identification platform that, according to their press release, will improve the travel experience for frequent flyer program customers of Star Alliance member airlines.

Once implemented, Star Alliance customers who opt-in to biometrics will be able to pass through curb-to-gate touchpoints 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.

Star Alliance and NEC aim to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by the first quarter of 2020.