News

British Airways eyes iris scanning at check-in kiosks

October 21, 2003

WATERSIDE, England -- Biometrics is high on British Airways' IT agenda, but there is no schedule yet for a rollout of iris scanning at self-service kiosks.

According to a CNET article, a self-service check-in kiosk with iris scanning was demonstrated at the airline's annual IT fair. But the lack of standards for the technology is still an issue, said British Airways Chief Information Officer Paul Coby.

"Biometrics is happening and it's around the corner but you don't want to jump with the wrong technology. We will try to keep current and make sure our voice is heard and be ready when something becomes standard. There has to be a worldwide standard," he said.

Iris scanning is the biometric that the airline has the most optimism about after testing revealed fingerprint readings could be hindered by dirt on the hand, and face recognition is seen as too difficult, the article said.

On the customer-facing side, British Airways is pushing for other types of self-service technologies for passengers. Plans are underway to extend the online and self-service check-in kiosks at airports and to implement 100 percent e-ticketing. Additional functionality will also soon allow passengers to print off their own boarding passes from their home PC.

A recent airline industry survey showed that CIOs believe investing in IT is key to cutting costs, increasing efficiencies and preparing the beleaguered industry for recovery following the worst period in its history, the article said.