Daon Embarks on Contactless IdentityX Pilot at Denver Airport

The Denver International Airport (DEN) is teaming up with Daon to test contactless biometric solutions in a real-world airport setting. The initial pilot is expected to begin later this summer.

While many airports have adopted biometric technology, those deployments have typically focused on security. The Daon partnership could lead to border control applications (including biometric kiosks and e-Gates), but the program was ultimately set up in response to COVID-19, to create a safer environment and reduce the health risks for passengers and employees alike.

To that end, Daon will work with DEN to improve other aspects of the airport experience and promote social distancing. For example, DEN is hoping to deploy touchless terminals that would allow travelers to make retail and restaurant payments with their mobile phones, and could utilize wellness credentials that would be similarly stored on a mobile device.

Broadly speaking, the project will seek to replace physical documents and boarding passes with smartphone-based digital credentials for passengers enrolled in the system. All of the solutions will leverage Daon’s IdentityX platform for digital onboarding and authentication.

“We are working to build greater trust and health resilience into the travel process, and deliver safer and more seamless traveler experiences,” said Daon CEO Tom Grissen. “Daon’s biometric platform creates the foundation for a ‘touchless’ airport journey that maximizes traveler and employee safety and ease-of-experience.”

“The airport experience is going to have to change in fundamental ways to give people confidence that their journey will be safe and efficient,” said DEN CEO Kim Day. “Our goal is to develop solutions that will give passengers and employees the tools they need to move through the airport environment with assurance.”

Daon recently adapted its IdentityX technology to make it more compatible with the ForgeRock Identity Platform. It also made the IdentityX platform free for all new customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several organizations have previously pointed out that the virus has created more demand for contactless biometric solutions.

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June 9, 2020 – by Eric Weiss