Acsa to roll out biometrics at SA airports by 2026
Airports Company South Africa has said that by 2026, biometrics and e-gates would be phased in at SA airports. Here’s more…
South Africans could be in for a big change at SA airports in the next few years, with Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) ready to roll out their biometrics project by 2026.
As reported by Tourism Update, Acsa said that they had already begun introducing its biometric and digital identity technology in what they added will be a “phased approach” at South African airports.
“Acsa is leveraging facial recognition technology as part of our biometric-based border control systems to streamline immigration processes, reduce transaction times, and enhance security. While the initial pilot project did not meet the expected throughput due to passenger anxiety and unfamiliarity, we are addressing this challenge through comprehensive passenger education,” an Acsa spokesperson revealed to Tourism Update.
OneID biometrics to feature
The airport operator will also roll out “OneID”, a unique passenger identifier generated through self-enrolment on the Acsa app which uses facial recognition technology.
OneID will essentially streamline a passengers’ airport experience by automating processes from bag-drop and pre-security to immigration and boarding checks.
The new system will also remove the need to present physical documents at touchpoints.
More plans from Acsa
Last year, the airports company said that the need to change Acsa’s operational processes had been identified as a core strategic focus for the business, so new robotic technology was on the cards for SA airports.
ACSA Chief Information Officer, Mthokozisi Mncwabe revealed that they were working on several initiatives that would harness the power of artificial intelligence and robotics to drive self-service functionality through the various touchpoints at Acsa’s airports.
“For example, we will introduce robotics to enhance the customer experience in line with a global trend that is seeing increased use of this technology for the delivery of retail and food and beverage services at airports.” Mncwabe pointed out.
Mncwabe also said that ACSA is working on a joint venture with Microsoft to help use technology to create a personalised customer experience to get to know customers better.