Abu Dhabi Airports said it has signed an agreement with leading air transport IT (information technology) specialist Sita to deploy its new automated boarding pass authentication system at the airport.

The new traveller documents authentication solution using Airport iValidate product will enhance security, accelerate passenger processing and reduce waiting times for passengers by automatically verifying all types of boarding passes including mobile boarding passes and home printed passes.

The use of Traveler document authentication system using iValidate solution at Abu Dhabi International Airport will be the first deployment of the product in the Middle East, said a senior official.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, the chief operations officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "Deploying such an advanced technology is a further demonstration of our determination to use the very best the market has to offer. Effectively managing the balance between continuous passenger flow and stringent security measures is a fundamental part of our operations, and the task is even more important in view of our continued growth."

Traveler Document Authentication System using Sita’s iValidate ensures passengers are at the correct terminal and security checkpoint, and enables them to present their barcode boarding passes either on paper or on their mobile phones, he explained.

The data is automatically validated, checked for duplicates and cross-referenced against the airport operational database and the airline’s departure control system. The information is then displayed to the passenger on an intuitive graphical user interface in a matter of seconds, he stated.

"With new deployed technology A, using self-service feature; verifying passenger documentation will be done quickly and efficiently, while at the same time improving the passenger experience. This is all part of our ongoing programme to deliver a smooth flowing airport that affords passengers sufficient comfort and time to enjoy all the facilities on offer," noted Al Haddabi.

The system, which will be in place by next month, will include four security lanes with automatic gates, four mobile/paper boarding pass scanners and four hand-held wireless boarding pass scanners, he said.

"The system will be deployed in Terminal 3 economy, followed by the Terminal 3 business area. It will also be implemented in both economy and business in Terminal 1," he added.-TradeArabia News Service