Biometric scheme trialled for New York-Amsterdam flights

Airline Industry Information, Jan 17, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A new trial allowing registered passengers to pass though airport security checks more quickly has been launched for services between the United States and the Netherlands.

Frequent flyers between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam will be eligible for the programme, which uses biometric information to identify travellers.

The trial requires participants to undergo background checks and the system is similar to a scheme in use for domestic travellers at some US airports.

Flyers registered for the trial will stop at a kiosk where their passports and fingerprints are checked. They will then be photographed before claiming their bags and leaving the airport, according to The Associated Press.

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