Edinburgh Airport in Scotland has deployed Human Recognition Systems (HRS) facial recognition journey measurement system to conduct a thorough performance review of passenger traffic through security screening and reduce queuing times at peak hours. The system will go live later this month to measure the journey time of the 13,000 passengers who pass through the airport each day.
The system's real-time information on passenger numbers moving through security will enable the airport to quickly identify and react to bottlenecks by deploying additional staff or opening more security screening lanes. By reducing time spent passing through security, passengers will also be able to enjoy more time in the leisure areas of the airport.
Edinburgh Airport's decision to engage HRS in the delivery of this solution follows the successful implementation of the system at other Global Infrastructure Partner operated airports, including London Gatwick and London City Airport.
The system requires no conscious interaction by staff or passengers. The system translates each image into a unique code and as passengers move through the airport facial recognition system times their movement between specific waypoints.
“As the system doesn't rely on people carrying Bluetooth or WiFi technology, we are able to collate highly accurate data on the movement of passengers through security screening and then make informed decisions about how we manage this area of the airport in the long term,”said Graeme Agnew, Head of IT at Edinburgh Airport.
“Without doubt, biometrics is playing an ever more important role within the aviation industry,” said Agnew. “Advanced new systems are helping to improve airport safety and security as well as support new products and services which will make air travel a faster, simpler and more enjoyable experience.”
“The aviation industry is continually looking at innovative ways to provide real-time insight into passengers' journeys as they move through the airport – biometric technology is an effective and efficient way to provide this data,” said Jim Slevin, Aviation Business Unit Manager at HRS.