Heathrow launches biometric data trial

A trial of biometric technology has today been launched at London's Heathrow Airport.

The miSense trial is being run in conjunction with airport authorities and immigration officials in the UK, Dubai and Hong Kong, along with the Emirates and Cathay Pacific airlines.

Passengers flying with these carriers can volunteer for the trial by having their passport and a fingerprint scanned at a self-service kiosk during check-in.

This data is stored by the system to allow the passenger to quickly go through security control and boarding.

In addition, travellers who fit certain criteria can take part in other parts of the trial to test an international registered traveller programme and interactive Advance Passenger Information for border control purposes.

"Biometric ID systems are fundamental to securing our borders in a more mobile age," commented immigration minister Liam Byrne MP.

"They are crucial to our plans for counting everyone in and out of the country. This proof of concept shows just how well the technology can work."

A biometric border control scheme was launched in the US in January 2004.

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