53rd Annual MAMA Conference

The air transport industry is approaching a critical scale challenge, with global passenger volumes expected to reach 8 billion annually by 2040. Traditional identity verification at security checkpoints, including agent-dependent CAT-2 workflows, cannot efficiently support this growth while maintaining security and traveler experience. This session examines how biometric automation, self-service kiosks, and eGate technology can modernize checkpoint operations through a two-step process: credential authentication and enrollment at a kiosk, followed by biometric clearance at the gate. The approach reduces reliance on one-to-one staffing, increases throughput, and enables officers to focus on exceptions and higher-risk cases. Drawing on live airport deployments and current technology readiness, the session will explore implementation considerations, interoperability, privacy, passenger choice, and the operational benefits of a more scalable identity verification model.

Session Key Takeaways:
1. The scalability imperative
2. A two-step model that works
3. Operational efficiency gains — Automating identity verification to enable a single officer to monitor multiple eGates
4. Proven at scale - technology is operational and delivering results today.
5. A practical path forward — Cloud-enabled, API-driven, and compatible with existing common-use platforms