Facial Recognition being tested at Sydney Airport from kerb to gate at Qantas

Qantas is trialling the use of facial recognition technology at Sydney Airport for four steps in the travel process for passengers in a sign of the future of airport systems.

While it’s not the full journey, you’ll still need to use the existing systems for border processing (though they are already using facial recognition and this is growing) and it does exclude mobile checkins, regular travellers will be able to stand in front of a camera and computer at Check-in, Bag-drop, getting lounge access and in the final step – boarding.

The trail of the system is taking place on selected international flights, with Qantas being the launch partner with Sydney Airport for the trial.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said “We’re very excited that select Qantas passengers now have the chance to experience this highly sophisticated technology as part of this landmark trial,”

“We’ve worked with Qantas from the outset and are delighted to be partnering with them as we trial this technology.

“In the future, there will be no more juggling passports and bags at check-in and digging through pockets or smartphones to show your boarding pass – your face will be your passport and your boarding pass at every step of the process.”

Qantas Chief Customer Officer Vanessa Hudson talks about the focus on making things easy for customers “One of our core commitments at Qantas is to make travel as attractive, convenient and enjoyable as possible,”

“There is an increasing need for airlines and airports to offer faster and more convenient airport experiences and we’re excited to see what results the trial produces.

“Qantas customers will not only be able to check in for their flight using the technology, it is also available for our lounge staff who can create a more personalised experience when passengers arrive.”