Star Alliance, NEC partner on biometric data platform

Star Alliance and IT specialist NEC Corp have signed a partnership agreement to develop a biometric data-based identification platform that will improve the travel experience for frequent flyer passengers of the alliance’s member airlines. The partners plan to introduce the first biometric solution at a Star Alliance airport hub by Q1 2020, giving passengers who opt-in—via their mobile devices—a seamless and hands-free passenger experience. They will be able to pass through check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges and boarding gates by using a secure identity management solution featuring facial recognition technology instead of a passport and boarding pass. The platform will also help airlines and airports improve operational efficiency, Star Alliance and NEC said. <br/>