Orlando International Airport (MCO) is set to implement new facial-biometric technology aimed at significantly reducing processing times for international travelers. Collaborating with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the airport will introduce the Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system, which verifies eligible U.S. citizens by matching live photos to passport records. This initiative has already demonstrated a potential reduction in wait times by approximately 43% for participating arrivals.
Two-Pronged System Launch
The EPP system encompasses two main components. The first focuses on inbound travelers, where kiosks capture photos that are then verified against existing passport images. This allows verified passengers to proceed with fewer document checks, streamlining their travel experience. The second component is a 90-day pilot program for outbound international departures. Passengers involved in this program will walk through a corridor equipped with cameras near the gate, where their live images will be matched to government records under the supervision of CBP agents.
MCO anticipates a substantial increase in travel demand, projecting over 57 million passengers in the current year, with around 15% of those traveling internationally. Currently, biometric equipment has been installed at 65 out of 113 gates. MCO is evaluating three vendors, including iProov and Aware, to determine the most effective technology for broader deployment.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
The pilot program aims to create a seamless boarding experience for travelers. Instead of stopping at a podium to present their passport and boarding pass, passengers will simply walk through a short corridor outfitted with cameras. This system is designed to automatically capture their images and verify them against federal records, ensuring that the person boarding the aircraft matches the ticket holder. CBP officers will monitor these verifications in real time, enabling airlines to maintain efficient boarding processes.
With the implementation of advanced algorithms, the technology can handle diverse scenarios, such as different angles, heights, and mobility devices. This versatility is crucial in a high-traffic airport where even minor delays can lead to significant disruptions. If the pilot program proves successful, MCO could expand biometric systems across more international gates, standardizing the overall passenger flow.
While the airport and CBP emphasize that this biometric approach is intended to enhance overall throughput, it also raises considerations regarding privacy and data handling. U.S. citizens can opt out of facial processing and request manual checks, although this may result in longer wait times. The CBP has stated that images of U.S. citizens will be deleted within 12 hours, while photos of noncitizens may be retained for a longer period under federal regulations set to take effect on December 26, 2025.
Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about potential security breaches and the accuracy of biometric systems across different demographics. In response, agencies and vendors highlight their high match rates and ongoing testing protocols. For MCO, the challenge lies in implementing automation that enhances speed without compromising passenger trust. The outcomes of the pilot program will be pivotal in determining the future of biometric processing at the airport.