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Heathrow Airport Begins Biometric Trials

6th December 2006 Passengers travelling on at Heathrow airport are being invited to sign up for a trial of the most advanced passenger screening equipment in the world. Cathay Pacific and Emirates passengers will be offered the option of bypassing queues if they have their fingerprints, face and eyes biometrically scanned.

The British Airports Authority (BAA) said the system provided passengers with a type of "electronic key" which would allow them to pass easily through each stage of the airport's processes.

The system is being piloted at Heathrow's Terminal 3 and will be launched by Immigration Minister Liam Byrne and Heathrow CEO Tony Douglas.

Mr Byrne said: "Biometric ID systems are fundamental to securing our borders in a more mobile age."

Further Information:
Iris recognition trial at UK airports - www.tdtravelgroup.com/news/detail.php/113

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