IATA says that some of the technology being prepared for improving security will also play an important part in its Simplifying Passenger Travel (SPT) programme.
If machine-readable travel documents (MRTDs) combined with biometric technology enable passengers to be processed faster, it will result in shorter queues at airports and less hassle for passengers - it will also enable the space that had been occupied by queues to be better used in airport terminals.
Passenger check-in can be sped up by MRTDs, which can be scanned in seconds, related positively to the holder by biometric identification, automatically checked against the name on the ticket and datalinked to other airport-based agencies that would normally make independent checks - such as immigration and nationality services.
The fully equipped check-in system could also match a passenger with luggage tags. A baggage-tracking system based on labels with embedded microchips can follow the bags through to loading and be integrated with the final passenger boarding-point inspection, which would also consist of a MRTD/biometric check to ensure that the passenger presenting him or herself for boarding is the same person that checked in.
This gives the airline an automatic bag-matching (baggage reconciliation) system, which is the final line of defence against those who would commit sabotage using an explosive device in a bag but not be prepared to die themselves.
Until 11 September, that is how saboteurs operated - they checked the baggage in and then did not board the aircraft. Another benefit of positive luggage reconciliation, of course, is that lost baggage can more easily be traced and reunited with its owners.
Source: Flight International