Star Alliance has teamed up with global IT firm NEC Corporation to develop a biometric curb-to-gate system to streamline the travel experience.
The partnership agreement will allow customers of member airlines to pass through all stages of the passenger journey quicker, including at check-in kiosks, bag-drop, lounges, and when boarding.
It is based on a secure identity management solution using facial recognition and passengers would be required to opt-in to use it.
The companies are touting increased operational efficiency and improved customer loyalty.
Members only need a one-time enrolment and can be used every time they travel on a Star Alliance member airline.
Personal data, including photos and are encrypted and safely stored in the systems, Star Alliance says.
"In NEC, we have found a strong partner who shares our vision of a seamless travel experience. This strategic partnership will help us make the way from curb to gate to aircraft a much simpler, yet innovative experience," said Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance.
Star Alliance and NEC hope to introduce it at the first Star Alliance hub airport by early 2020.
