World first as Gatwick invests in pioneering biometric technology

Gatwick Airport has become the first airport in the world to incorporate MFlow Track – advanced biometric ‘iris at distance’ technology designed to improve passenger flow and enhance security.

The UK-based biometrics company, Human Recognition Systems, has developed MFlow Track in conjunction with US partner, AOptix Technologies Inc, and is now in operation at Gatwick’s £45 million single, state-of-the-art, 19-lane security area in the South Terminal. This investment is part of the airport’s £1 billion development programme to modernise its facilities and improve the passenger experience.

MFlow Track provides some of the most advanced biometrics in the world. It integrates Human Recognition Systems’ software with AOptix Technologies’ Insight VM iris recognition unit.

From a passenger perspective, this allows people to pass through security area quickly as the technology captures their unique iris patterns to accurately identify them in conjunction with another form of identification. There is no need for a stop and start security process making it much quicker and non-intrusive.

A second biometric system, MFlow Journey incorporating passive facial recognition has also been deployed, creating yet another world first. As with MFlow Track, MFlow Journey has undergone trials at Gatwick, and in this instance, measures and manages the flow of passengers through the security area. MFlow Journey drives the display boards showing the actual queue time, enabling passengers to pick and choose the lane they want to use.

Geoff Williams, head of security at Gatwick Airport said: “The security process is a key part of the passenger journey and Human Recognition Systems has worked closely with us in providing innovative solutions to deliver a better passenger experience.

“Already passengers are spending on average less than five minutes in security. With our new spacious preparation area and 19 security lanes, some of which designed to assist families with young children and premium travellers, the new technology will help increase the efficiency of the security operation and provide a better service.”

Neil Norman, Human Recognition Systems’ chief executive, said:

“We have relished the opportunity to work with Gatwick Airport because they don’t shy away from integrating truly innovative products to provide their customers with a world class service.

“Like Gatwick, we hate queues and therefore we’re extremely proud to be the company helping Gatwick to keep passengers moving.

“Human Recognition Systems’ technology is fast becoming the biometrics of choice for those airports committed to delivering an unprecedented customer service for the 21st century.

“Throughout our extensive trials, we worked meticulously with Gatwick’s teams to ensure we were consulting with the people who are operating the technology as much as the passengers we are ultimately serving. And we are delighted with the final results.”