Qantas has begun a trial of facial recognition tech at Brisbane Airport allowing streamlined access to the lounge and the boarding gate.
In collaboration with technology provider SITA, customers are able to upload their passport photo and data to their mobile phone and check in before they arrive at the airport.
Using the Qantas Facial Recognition App for Android devices only, passenger data is matched to their face via cameras, allowing quicker access without needing to physically show their boarding pass or passport.
The pilot programme is now live and will run until early December.
It is available to passengers who volunteer and are travelling on flights from Brisbane to Singapore, Tokyo Narita and Hong Kong.
"Qantas is the first airline to trial SITA Smart Path mobile in Brisbane and is showcasing the innovative collaboration that is required to incorporate this new technology," said SITA President Asia Pacific, Sumesh Patel.
Patel says more than three quarters of airlines and airports are planning to invest in biometric tech over the next three years.
Qantas said their customers crave a more seamless airport experience without having to show their travel documents at various stages during the journey from curb to gate.
The 2018 IATA Global Passenger survey found that 65% of passengers are willing to share personal information if it aids a speedier process at the airport.
Qantas will analyse feedback from the programme to prioritise future biometrics trials and investments.
