From Thursday, a very different type of passport is being used by some Aussies in a "landmark" trial. But not everyone is happy. Qantas passengers on selected international flights are taking part in a ground-breaking trial of facial recognition programming at Sydney Airport. The new biometrics technology will allow travellers to pass through most stages of the airport experience without a passport or boarding pass. Instead, their faces will be scanned as they make their way through the automated check-in, baggage drop, lounge access and boarding stages. They will only need to present their documents at immigration. Qantas chief customer officer Vanessa Hudson said the airline was focused on increasing the use of technology to drive innovation for customers. <br/>
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British Airways has won a legal fight with the trustees of one of its pension funds over increases in payments to retired workers. The airline has been embroiled in litigation with the trustees over their 2013 decision to award a 0.2% discretionary increase to pensioners in the scheme — which amounted to half the difference between the retail price index and the consumer price index. The High Court had found in favour of the trustees, but Thursday the Court of Appeal overturned that decision and narrowly ruled 2 to 1 in favour of BA. The case has been closely watched by the pensions industry because it helps clarify the roles and responsibilities of trustees. <br/>
Malaysia Airlines is solidly improving yields by increasing its emphasis on premium passengers, and the carrier indicates the approach will continue. The airline’s “concerted focus on yield,” which began in the second half of 2017, produced positive results in Q1, Group CE Izham Ismail said. Yield improved 6.6% year-on-year in the quarter, despite the strong competition that has been putting pressure on airline fares in Southeast Asia. MAB said it will “continue to drive yield by focusing on the premium segment to cushion the airline from rising costs.” Ismail said Q1 was “relatively encouraging,” with the airline’s performance meeting budget expectations. This contrasted with a “challenging” year in 2017 when the carrier underperformed against its budget, thanks partly to adverse exchange rate movements. <br/>