As part of a new trial, Manchester Airport is to introduce the biometrics system for testing, whereby passengers will have their eyes scanned as soon as they check-in as part of a 2 week trial.
The high-tech machines will be installed at check-in and can recognise an individual’s iris as they walk around the airport.
The newfound technology has the potential to overhaul customs and security, with airport bosses hoping it could help in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Passengers who agree to take part in the experiment will have their iris scanned at check-in where it will then be used to identify them as they enter the security search area when it is once again scanned.
The biometrics system is in the early stages of development, however officials hope it could stop criminals from swapping boarding cards between arriving at the airport and getting on a plane – as the technology is designed to scan the person, not the ticket.
The move to track passengers around an airport is the latest use of technology by Manchester Airport bosses in an attempt to speed up security procedures.
The airport already uses e-gates – which scan the eyes of passengers travelling with new ‘chipped’ passports – but unlike these machines, the biometrics system can track the iris on the move.
Earlier this year the airport sparked outrage after introducing the controversial full-body scanners at its security gates.
Manchester Airport’s product director, Mike Fazackerley, said: ‘We are always keen to develop innovative technology solutions to improve out passengers’ experience of the airport.’
‘People are already familiar with the concept of iris recognition. This technology has the potential for a number of uses in a busy airport environment including security because it can recognise individuals when they are moving around.
‘Although it is in its very early stages of development, using this technology for transfer passengers could make Manchester more attractive to airlines as a hub airport in the future.’
This comes as Glasgow Airport announced a trial of their own, involving an airport security arch which detects explosives without passengers having to remove their shoes and coats.
Dubbed an ‘electronic sniffer dog’, the new machine claims to cut down on queue-time by using lasers to scan for potential explosives, bringing an end to the frustrating process of removing clothing at security.
Facebook
Twitter
Email 
