Lufthansa Group will be the first to launch Star Alliance’s biometric service at Frankfurt and Munich airports, ensuring a contactless travel experience for passengers in light of Covid-19.
Star Alliance Biometrics allows customers to use facial recognition technology to pass through security and boarding gates in a touchless manner, provided that they have opted-in to share biometric data.
As a founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa group airlines will be the first to use the biometric system, with Lufthansa and Swiss implementing it on selected flights this month at Frankfurt/Main Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC).
Members of the Miles and More frequent flyer programme can already enrol in Star Alliance Biometrics via a link within the Lufthansa app. Customers are asked to take a selfie, verify their identity with their passport and opt-in to the airlines and airports where they want to use the service.
Once enrolled, the facial recognition technology will match the customer’s live image to the boarding pass information and biometric profile, allowing the customer to pass through the touchpoints of any participating airport that has the biometrics in place. Customers only need to register once, and are advised that they do not have to remove a face mask, as the identification process works for passengers wearing face coverings.
The eGates equipped with biometrics are clearly signed with the Star Alliance Biometrics logo above the gate as well as with floor markings. Star Alliance has stated that the “range of process points will be gradually expanded – for example to baggage drop-off and business lounges” in the near future.
Lufthansa Group has stated that “personal data, such as photo and other identification details, are encrypted and safely stored within the platform”, and customers can delete their biometric profile at any time.
Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance, commented on the launch:
“We are exceedingly proud to have founding member Lufthansa as the first airline to implement the Star Alliance Biometrics solution in both of its Frankfurt and Munich Airport hubs. This is a customer-centric solution that furthers our credentials in innovation, particularly its multi-airline and multi-airport capability. Whilst it offers a seamless customer travel experience, it is also a critical development that addresses the expectation of customers for a more touchless and hygienically safer experience. Star Alliance Biometrics is a key part of our strategy to be the most digitally advanced global airline alliance.”
Christina Foerster, Member of the Board, Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility at Lufthansa Group, added:
“The topic of biometrics will become increasingly important when travelling in the future. Especially during the pandemic, such touchless processes at the airport are a big plus. In the Lufthansa Group, biometric technology and solutions will increasingly ensure simplified and more efficient processes at airports, thereby significantly improving the travel experience of our passengers.
“I am very pleased that with Star Alliance Biometrics we will be able to offer interested frequent flyers biometric security checkpoint access and boarding via facial recognition at our Frankfurt and Munich hubs as from November. This is an important milestone for us.”
This news comes after Lufthansa’s first Covid-free flight last week between Munich and Hamburg, following the launch of its new testing programme.
Emirates also recently launched a ‘biometric path’ at Dubai International airport, reducing human interaction at check-in and immigration.
See further information on the Star Alliance Biometrics here.
