Scan And Fly At Heathrow

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A new system that will let air passengers sign up to voluntary biometric scanning and therefore speed through security has been unveiled. The system uses fingerprint technology to identify air travellers and fast-track them through airport checks. Before they board they will be able to prove their identity and passport details with a quick fingerprint or iris scan at a self-service kiosk. The system is being piloted at Heathrow's Terminal 3 and will be launched by Immigration Minister Liam Byrne and Heathrow CEO Tony Douglas. Mr Byrne said: "Biometric ID systems are fundamental to securing our borders in a more mobile age. "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." Passengers on some Cathay Pacific and Emirates flights will be invited to join the trial when they check in by scanning their passport and right index fingerprint into the miSense kiosk. This information becomes the passenger's secure "virtual key" which will give them access to security control and aircraft boarding using just their fingerprint.