Aviation

US Airlines and TSA Team Up to Streamline Travel with Face Biometrics

United Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking advancement in airport security procedures: the integration of ‘Touchless ID’ technology. This innovation, initially available for TSA PreCheck members at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), promises to redefine travel convenience and efficiency.

The Touchless ID system enables passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck to breeze through security checkpoints by simply scanning their faces. By opting into United’s Touchless ID program through the airline’s mobile app, travelers can skip the traditional ID and boarding pass checks, streamlining their airport experience.

To participate, passengers submit their selfie biometrics via United’s app, where they scan their passports and add their Known Traveler Number (KTN). This integration not only expedites security procedures but also enhances passenger convenience.

United’s Touchless ID program is currently available for solo travelers aged 18 and above, while Delta’s program extends to groups as long as all members have opted in. When compared to Clear, a private expedited screening service utilizing biometrics, Touchless PreCheck is touted as faster and experiencing fewer glitches.

For travelers navigating the myriad TSA screening options, Touchless PreCheck serves as a seamless addition to existing security lines and Clear queues. By leveraging face biometrics, US airlines and TSA are spearheading a digital transformation in airport security, promising a more efficient and convenient travel experience for passengers nationwide.

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.