Etihad Airways Trials Facial Biometrics for Cabin Crew Check-In

[31 Oct 2021] Etihad Airways is working with SITA on a trial to use facial biometrics in order to check-in cabin crew at the airline’s Crew Briefing Centre at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The trial uses facial recognition technology to identify and authenticate crew members, allowing them to complete check-in procedures and mandatory pre-flight safety and security questions digitally via their own mobile devices.

The new initiative will replace the current kiosk-based check-in process which requires crew to use their staff identity cards as a form of authentication.

Captain Sulaiman Yaqoobi, Vice President Flight Operations, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “By integrating contactless technology, biometric services will increase efficiency while simultaneously cementing our commitment to reducing the spread of COVID19 by limiting physical touch points and maximising social distancing measures.”

As part of the airline’s digitalisation strategy, facial biometric technology is expected to improve operational efficiency by speeding up the existing check-in process and automating crew time and attendance management and access controls.

Roger Nakouzi, Vice President Sales, SITA, said, “We are proud to partner with Etihad to design and implement a secure biometric system that offers a smarter and more efficient working environment for crew while solving a key operational challenge of the pandemic by reducing contact points. SITA has extensive experience in both mobile and biometric technology solutions having developed and implemented SITA Smart Path at airports globally, enabling a seamless, low touch passenger experience while increasing airport efficiencies.”

The trial is expected to continue until February 2021.

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