​BA and Emirates to use biometrics to process passengers

British Airways is to trial biometric technology on flights from London Heathrow to Malaga, enabling participating passengers to travel through the airport and board aircraft without showing their passports.

The trial will run for six months and will use technology from Amadeus. Trial participants must scan their face, passport and boarding pass on their smartphone or tablet ahead of arrival at the airport.

On arrival at the airport, BA says a participant's identity will be verified by Smart Bio-Pod cameras in less than three seconds, negating the need to show their passport.

"This is a secure and efficient tool that makes for a smarter and smoother airport experience, which will reduce the time it takes us to board aircraft," states BA operations transformation manager David Breeze.

If the trial is successful, BA says it will be extended to more international flights. The carrier began using biometric technology on domestic flights in 2017.

Emirates has meanwhile disclosed that it will next year begin offering international passengers in Dubai the chance to submit biometric data to speed up the check-in process. The carrier has signed an agreement with Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to co-operate on making the airport experience more efficient.