Sangster International Airport accelerates digital transformation with full biometric passenger experience vision

Credit: Sangster International Airport

MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operator of Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (SIA), is marking 22 years of operations by fully unveiling its plans to digitise the traveller experience. CEO Shane Munroe said the goal is a “single biometric identity” that allows passengers to move through arrivals and departures seamlessly, integrating with third-party systems for efficiency.

Details on Sangster International Airport biometrics and digital transformation 

“Airports serve as gateways and are the first and last impression of the destination,” Munroe noted. “Our implementation of these advanced biometric systems is transforming the passenger journey while keeping pace with global digital innovations in aviation.”

Biometric verification is already used at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) eGates, where travellers can complete the arrival process without interacting with an Immigration officer. A similar setup is planned for Departures, with seamless check-in, security, and boarding.

MBJ has already rolled out several digital tools: self-service check-in kiosks with biometric capability, interactive wayfinding with QR code navigation, environmental sensors that optimise comfort, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-based queue management, video analytics, and AI-powered operational tools.

“We’re investing significantly to transform this facility,” Munroe said, highlighting major works such as the East Concourse wing and terminal expansion in 2019, with further improvements ongoing.

One key innovation is the Air-Sea Lounge for cruise ship passengers, supporting SIA’s role as a cruise homeport. “Cruise passengers beginning their journey in Montego Bay arrive by air at our terminal, where they experience a seamless transition,” Munroe explained.

Further developments are planned, including expansions to the check-in area, parking, security, Immigration Hall, and East Concourse. Passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with one traveller from New York praising the smooth process and “amazing” renovations.

Munroe concluded: “We’re pleased with all the work we’ve done over the past 22 years, and our goal is to deliver a world-class facility that serves Jamaica’s travel and tourism industry for decades to come.”

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