Australia Upgrades Border Security with SITA Technology

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (the Department) is now running automated checks on all passengers departing the country.

The Outward Advance Passenger Processing (APP) program uses iBorders from SITA, technology which provides real-time, integration between the airlines’ systems and the Department’s border management systems.

Outward APP, which provides interactive advanced passenger information (i-API), was put in place following legislation enacted by the Australian Government to help improve Australia’s border integrity and national security. As part of these measures, airlines are required to provide data for all travellers departing Australia in advance of their flight. The airline transmits each passenger’s data to the Department during check-in, receiving in response a ‘board’/’no board’ message in real-time. Passengers who are pre-cleared for departure through this process are allowed to quickly self-process through passport control by using the SmartGate in Australia’s international airports.

In addition to providing a more streamlined departure process using automated e-gates, the process also facilitates the identification of passengers who may be a security concern ahead of departure. SITA's iBorders enables the Department to receive passenger data from the airlines with enough time to pre-process travellers before they arrive at the border.

John Gibbon, Assistant Secretary Traveller Branch at the Department, said, “Outward APP delivers a faster and more seamless experience for travellers, while meeting our business needs to manage threats and ensure the integrity of Australia’s border.”

SITA’s work with the Department started as a trial with a limited number of airlines. Full implementation coincided with the commencement of the Foreign Fighters legislation amendments and today the Outward APP program includes all airlines and all flights out of Australia. In total, 47 airlines are now fully certified and running around two million transactions a month through the Australian Outward APP program powered by iBorders.

Ilya Gutlin (pictured), SITA President, Asia Pacific, said, “Australia has long been recognized as a leader and innovator in the area of border management. This sophisticated Outward APP program builds on the existing solutions that SITA has been providing to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection since 2000, when the country geared up for the influx of arrivals for the Olympic Games. Working in sync with the airlines, Australia now runs advance, automatic checks on every passenger arriving or departing the country, making the journey smoother for authorized travellers while addressing issues with persons of interest.”

See also: Future of Air Travel - HD Video Interview with SITA President for Asia Pacific, Ilya Gutlin.

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