On 15 December 2021, one of the most important pilot projects of its kind in the world was presented to the media at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. A milestone in airport history that will completely change the way we travel by plane and where Mobbeel is one of the technological suppliers.
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport tests the facial recognition system in the boarding process, with the integration of self bag drop system.
It is a collaboration between Aena, the leading airport operator for passenger traffic management, with the airline Vueling and the group of technology companies formed by Easier, IDEMIA, Indra, Materna-ips and Mobbeel.
The system uses face recognition to allow passengers to board without having to show their documents.
Initially it is available for the Vueling route between Barcelona and Malaga.
It is the first time that it has been carried out in Europe integrating in a single process all the steps to be carried out by a passenger at an airport, including the check-in of the suitcase as a novelty. The objective is that passengers can make the entire route to the plane without having to show identification documentation.
Based on an identification technology through the recognition of the physical and non-transferable characteristics of people (face recognition), the biometric systems equipment has been located in the check-in area, allowing self-check-in luggage; at the access to the security filter and at the boarding gate, where the biometric data of the passenger, their facial features (image of their face) and documentation (ID or passport) will be validated.
This makes it possible to streamline the process and increase security from the moment the traveler registers online at home until he catches his flight. The validation of documentation with biometric data is carried out only once during the pilot, provided that the passenger gives his consent for subsequent flights.
Joint project of Vueling and Aena
This collaboration project between Vueling and Aena began several months ago with airline passengers on the Barcelona-Malaga route. This is the most complete pilot test being carried out at an Aena airport, as it includes biometric technology in 4 travel processes:
- check-in with the Mobbeel app,
- baggage check-in,
- security screening
- and boarding..
In order to access the plane “by the face”, passengers must access the Aena app developed by Mobbeel, enter the “facial recognition” section and complete the form.
The registration can also be carried out physically at the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in two kiosks located in front of gate B35 and in the Vueling self-check-in area.
Thus, passengers will be able to exclusively access both the security control filters and the boarding gate on the Barcelona-Malaga route and enjoy more agile access.
In addition, they will have the option of leaving their suitcase at the agentless self-check-in belt (self bag drop), simply with facial recognition.
Passengers can take part in this pilot program on a voluntary basis and travel in a more agile, efficient and contactless way.
Mobbeel, Selected by Aena for the App check-in
In 2009 we were pioneers in the development of biometrics for mobiles and 12 years later, we set a new milestone with Vueling Airlines and Aena to offer the most comprehensive and seamless user experience through facial recognition.
Mobbeel provides the mobile application that allows travellers to enrol their biometrics and verify their identity through the scanning of a DNI or passport with NFC and a selfie with liveness detection to verify that that person is who they say they are.
Once their facial biometrics and ID have been registered, the passenger will be able to pass through all airport controls with their face.
Definitely a breakthrough for travellers who will be able to start their journey with our app from home and be seated on the plane in the fastest and most efficient way, avoiding queues and delays.
If you are interested in learning more about what our technology can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Discover what is face recognition
- Learn about the history of facial recognition. Origins and evolution.
- Learn how facial recognition systems work.
- See the different uses and applications.
- Understand the different implications of the technology in our society today.
- Discover the challenges in cybersecurity.
- Learn about the regulations involved in biometric processes.
Discover what is face recognition
