Manchester Airport begins Iris scan trial

MANCHESTER Airport’s passengers will be invited to take part in a trial of a new technology that can recognise an individual’s iris while they walk around.

The system, known “Biometrics in Motion”, has been developed by Liverpool-based technology firm Human Recognition Systems. The trial is taking place over the next two weeks in Terminal 1.

Passengers can register after check-in so that their iris can be used to identify them as they enter the security search area.
The technology could have a variety of future applications to speed up the identification of passengers.

For example, it could be used to allow international transfer passengers to mix with domestic passengers in the departure lounge because they can be securely identified again before boarding their flight.

Currently, passengers arriving from overseas who are connecting to another international flight in Manchester remain separated from domestic passengers to protect the integrity of UK border security.

“We are always keen to develop innovative technology solutions to improve our passengers’ experience of the airport”, said Manchester Airport’s product director Mike Fazackerley.

“People are already familiar with the concept of iris recognition. This technology has the potential for a number of uses in a busy airport environment including security because it can recognise individuals when they are moving around.

The airport already uses iris recognition technology to manage staff access into sensitive areas of the airport. Immigration authorities also use it for pre-registered people arriving back into the UK.

However, the current system requires users to look directly into a device that uses photo recognition software. The “Biometrics In Motion” system represents a significant step forward because it is able to “see” an individual’s iris whilst they are moving.

Human Recognition Systems’ business development manager Lee Hannis said: “At HRS we are constantly testing the boundaries of technology and this innovation represents the very leading edge in enabling a passenger to quickly and conveniently prove their identity.”

“We are excited by the opportunity to understand how the system will perform in a real airport environment.”