Philippines DOTr Partners with UltraPass for Airport Biometric System Pilot

The Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) has partnered with US-based UltraPass Identity Corp. to pilot-test a new biometric processing system at the country’s airports, marking a significant step toward modernizing airport security and passenger processing in the Philippines. This initiative aligns with the global aviation industry’s push toward seamless travel, including IATA’s One ID program which aims to create a standardized, touchless passenger experience.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and UltraPass CEO Eric Starr on November 13, 2024, at the Fairmont hotel in Makati City. A US Commerce official witnessed the signing, highlighting the growing technological collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. The agreement represents one of several recent technology partnerships between the two nations, as the Philippines continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure.

This initiative aims to implement advanced biometric technologies to enhance security measures and streamline passenger processing at Philippine airports. The pilot testing phase will evaluate the system’s effectiveness and identify potential operational challenges before a full-scale implementation. The system is expected to be initially tested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s primary gateway, before potential expansion to other airports.

The implementation of this technology represents a significant upgrade to the Philippines’ airport infrastructure, which has been undergoing extensive modernization efforts in recent years. Similar systems have been successfully deployed at major international airports worldwide, demonstrating improved security outcomes and enhanced passenger experiences through faster processing times. Notable implementations include those at airports utilizing SITA and IDEMIA’s digital identity solutions, which have shown promising results in streamlining passenger processing.

This development comes as part of broader efforts to modernize the Philippines’ transportation infrastructure and align with international aviation security standards. The partnership also reflects growing interest from US technology companies in Southeast Asian markets, particularly in the rapidly expanding digital identity and security sectors. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the Philippines’ goal of improving its aviation infrastructure to meet increasing passenger demands and evolving international security requirements.

Source: Philippine News Agency

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November 13, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team