In the January 2014 print issue of Professional Security Magazine, we featured the new security staff uniforms at London Gatwick airport. Gatwick has new automated passenger verification. The Merseyside-based installer, Human Recognition Systems (HRS), says it opens up the possibilities for the airport to make informed gate control and alert decisions based on accurate passenger movement information, creating operational efficiencies.
MFlow Track v3.0 is described as an end-to-end biometric product, now in use by passengers in Gatwick’s North and South Terminals, According to the installers the product has led to security improvements and has received positive feedback from passengers, airport and airline staff.
The product removes the capacity for human error, it is claimed, by assigning a passenger’s biometric information to a form of identification. The integration of MFlow Track v3.0 with MFlow Journey lets the airport validate passengers at all stages and manage passengers, from car parking to ticket production to buying a discounted product in retail stores.
Michael Ibbitson, Chief Information Officer at London Gatwick, says: “We have been impressed by how smoothly MFlow Track has enabled us to use the information gathered to understand our customers’ movements and to personalise journeys accordingly. By working alongside our existing infrastructure we now have the advantage of leveraging existing investments to increase the use of biometrics. These enhancements are another step towards a seamless passenger experience as we continue to prepare London Gatwick for future growth and a second runway.”
MFlow Track uses iris recognition to enrol passengers; the product has aided an automated boarding trial for Gatwick’s passengers with the ability to check in and deposit hold luggage via designated self service bag drops. For passengers travelling with only hand baggage, the enrolment is at security ticket presentation. This has replaced systems including barcode scanners, and meaning reduced operational costs.
Jim Slevin, Aviation Managing Director at Human Recognition Systems says: “MFlow Track has been in daily operational use since 2011 and we are proud of the enhancements made with version 3.0, which further consolidates our ability to deliver a reduction in London Gatwick’s operating costs through proven automation. By managing, integrating and interfacing with legacy processing systems in a unique manner, true passenger identity-based decisions can be made throughout the customer journey. ”
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