Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator for Abu Dhabi International Airport, has announced that it will deploy a new traveler document authentication system using boarding pass validation technology from air transport IT specialist SITA.
Airport iValidate will enhance security, accelerate passenger processing and reduce waiting times by automatically verifying all types of boarding passes, including mobile boarding and home-printed passes. The use of iValidate at Abu Dhabi International Airport will be the first deployment of the product in the Middle East.
The iValidate system ensures that passengers are at the correct terminal and security checkpoint, and enables them to present their barcode boarding passes either on paper or on their smartphones. The data is automatically validated, checked for duplicates and cross-referenced against the airport operational database and the airline’s departure control system. The information is then displayed to the security agent on an intuitive graphical user interface in a matter of seconds.
Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “Deploying such an advanced technology is a further demonstration of Abu Dhabi Airports’ determination to use the very best the market has to offer. Effectively managing the balance between continuous passenger flow and stringent security measures is a fundamental part of our operations, and the task is even more important in view of our continued growth.
“With this new technology verifying passenger documentation will be done quickly and efficiently, while at the same time improving the passenger experience. This is all part of our ongoing program to deliver a smooth flowing airport that affords passengers sufficient comfort and time to enjoy all the facilities on offer.”
Hani El-Assaad, president, Middle East, India and Africa, SITA, said, “It’s always a challenge to maintain the right balance between speed, efficiency and security. We also know that airports typically make around one-third of their revenue from retail, and there is a very clear correlation between moving passengers quickly through airport security and retail spend. SITA’s Airport iValidate is designed to work hand in hand with security at Abu Dhabi International to help them enhance the passenger experience.”
The iValidate system, which will be in place by June 2015, will include four security lanes with automatic gates, four mobile/paper boarding pass scanners and four hand-held wireless boarding pass scanners. The system will initially be deployed in Terminal 3 economy, followed by the Terminal 3 business area. It will also be implemented in both economy and business in Terminal 1.