Vision-Box and BIAL ink deal to modernise passenger journey

Sep 6, 2018: Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operators of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Vision-Box - have signed an agreement to launch paperless biometric self-boarding technology, aimed at transforming passenger experience and creating future-ready airport.

The biometric self-boarding technology will further bolster government of India’s ambitious DigiYatra project, aimed at developing a digital ecosystem to provide paperless air traveller at every stage of the journey.

With the implementation of the biometric technology, BLR Airport will become the first airport in India to have an end-to-end solution for paperless air travel.

The goal of the programme is to simplify the journey by making it paperless from registration to boarding. Biometric technology will identify passengers by their face as they move across the Airport, avoiding stops and the repeated presentation of boarding passes, passports or other physical identity documents.

“Your face is your boarding pass,” said BIAL’s MD & CEO Hari Marar, describing the revolutionary technology that is set to transform air travel. “BLR Airport will continue to lead from the front in transforming air travel in India by leveraging technology. We will continue to offer more delightful experiences to all our passengers as they travel through BLR Airport. Vision-Box’s state-of-the-art biometric technology, combined with its passenger flow platform will enable a seamless journey for our passengers, without obstacles, waiting lines or hassles, from registration to boarding,” Mr Marar added.

The contract was signed in Lisbon, Portugal between Marar and Vision-Box CEO Miguel Leitmann.

The ceremony was also attended by the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, Minister of Economy Manuel Caldeira Cabral, Ambassador of India to Portugal Nandini Singla, Secretary of State of Internationalization Eurico Brilhante Dias, and other government representatives.

Vision-Box CEO Miguel Leitmann commented, “We’re very proud to team up with Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. We’re together raising the flag of a historical milestone, marking not only the significant improvement of the experience of those who travel through Bangalore, but also the accomplishment of a seamless digital airport journey. This is the first end-to-end face recognition-based walkthrough experience in Asia and the largest in the world. It is also one of the most significant steps towards the Digital India campaign endorsed by the Government. Bangalore is in the spotlight, as the modern world gateway to India.”

The first implementation milestone at BLR Airport will be completed in the first quarter of 2019, with Jet Airways, Air Asia and SpiceJet passengers as first users.