Global IT provider SITA and Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to trial and enhance innovative passenger processing solutions as part of HIA’s Smart Airport vision.

The predominant focus of the MoU is to advance HIA’s initiative to implement seamless identity management across all key passenger service points using biometrics. Trials will also be held to evaluate the effectiveness of robots for passenger facilitation; blockchain technology for rapid and secure sharing of data across stakeholders; and the potential use of augmented and virtual reality for operational concepts. 

SITA has also announced that it will be supplying and commissioning 62 of its next-generation common-use check-in kiosks, with bag tag printing capability. This will enhance passenger experience for self-service check-in and enable progressive deployment of self-service bag-drop facilities.

SITA will also be supplying and commissioning boarding pass verification e-gates which will be located prior to departures’ border control. These kiosks and e-gates will have the ability to use biometrics to identify passengers. 

In line with HIA’s strategy, all systems that are being acquired and upgraded for passenger processing, such as for check-in, bag drop, and aircraft boarding, are specified for integration with biometric sensors.

The formalization of this partnership follows the successful industry-first pilot of biometric exit checks conducted by SITA and HIA in Qatar’s airport during 2016.