An important hub for domestic and regional carriers in New Zealand, as well as a major international gateway, Auckland airport is enhancing the experience for international travellers with the launch of new automated pre-security gates.

The 12 new e-gates which have been developed in partnership with Vision-Box, will scan boarding passes and grant them access to security areas.

“This initiative is part of a broader technology transformation that could eventually include biometric authentication to enable seamless customer journeys from check-in to boarding the aircraft,” said Anna Cassels-Brown, general manager of operations, Auckland Airport.

With up to 7,000 passengers being processed during peak periods, the new technology has led to a five fold increase in the airport’s processing capacity, in comparison to the previous system involving two people manually checking boarding passes.

“Where possible we see automation as a key way to improve the airport system by being more accurate, reliable and faster,” continued Cassels-Brown. “Over the next decade as we undertake our multi-billion-dollar infrastructure upgrade, we will be integrating smart technology throughout the customer journey in a way that makes traveller journeys better.

“The fundamental requirements of passenger processing are not going to change. We still need check-in, baggage drop, customs and security screening. But what technology can do is allow us to link the process together and streamline information in the background, helping to make the experience as seamless as possible.”

The second phase of Vision-Box’s software installation will roll out in 2020. It will integrate the pre-security gates with real time flight information from the airport’s operations system to allow for multi-boarding pass processes which benefit families; provide real-time reports for airlines and ground handlers; and integrate with the airport’s access control system for staff ID validation.

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