CSA passengers face-up to board flights

With a quick facial scan, passengers boarded China Southern Airlines' (CSA) flight CZ3384 from Nanyang to Guangzhou on June 28.

It is the first time that facial recognition technology has been used at Nanyang Jiangying Airport for self-service security checks. The check takes less than a second and means passengers no longer need to use boarding cards.

A passenger uses facial recognition to board her flight at Nanyang Jiangying Airport, Central China's Henan province, on June 28 [Photo/ycwb.com]

Han Wensheng, deputy general manager of CSA, said that the preliminary tests received positive feedback and that the new system runs effectively.

"It's much faster than before," said one passenger. "I carry a lot of bags and the facial identification frees me from having to carry my boarding pass."

A passenger passes a facial recognition security check before boarding flight CZ3384 from Nanyang to Guangzhou. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

In order to use the facial recognition technology, passengers must first verify their identity using CSA's mobile app. Once approved, the photographic information can be used for dropping bags, checking-in and for security checks.

"Facial recognition technology, developed by CSA, Baidu Inc and GRGBanking, helps us ensure flight safety through multiple examinations and checks," said Huang Wenqiang, general manager of the CSA's e-commerce department.

The system also means that CSA is able to offer more efficient services and save on human resources, Huang added.

Regarding privacy, Huang said, the whole system employs multiple security encryptions and is able to protect personal information from being exposed to public.

Passengers show interest in China Southern Airlines' facial recognition technology, which can be used for security checks. [Photo/ycwb.com]