Airport

Italian Airports Explore Passport-Free Travel with FaceBoarding Technology

Credit: Milan Airports

In a groundbreaking move toward seamless travel experiences, two Italian airports, Milan Linate and Catania, are leading the way with innovative “FaceBoarding” technology at their security checkpoints.

This cutting-edge facial recognition system enables passengers to breeze through the airport without the hassle of presenting their passport or boarding pass.

Here’s how it works: passengers over 18 simply need to check-in and then proceed to the FaceBoarding desks, where they scan their passport or electronic ID card and undergo a facial scan for verification.

Once registered, travelers can enjoy expedited processes at security screening and boarding gates, with dedicated lanes ensuring priority for FaceBoarding users. Initially available for ITA Airways and Scandinavian Airlines passengers, the trial phase of this technology promises a glimpse into the future of air travel.

While other airlines still require traditional document checks, those participating in the trial can enjoy the convenience of passport-free boarding. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Soon, with the FaceBoarding app launching in June, registered users can streamline their future journeys by attaching boarding passes directly to their scanned identity documents. This seamless integration aims to enhance passenger convenience and airport efficiency.

Moreover, frequent flyers have the option to register for FaceBoarding for one or all of their flights during the trial period, which extends until December 31, 2025. This initiative optimizes the airport experience by minimizing the need for document checks while maintaining stringent security measures.

Meanwhile, on a broader scale, the European Union is gearing up to introduce another form of biometric technology. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will automate the registration process for non-EU travelers, including those from the UK, streamlining entry procedures across EU airports.

Airport

Toronto’s Abandoned Airport Set to Transform into a Futuristic City

In a bold and visionary move, an abandoned airport in Toronto, Canada, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation into a sprawling mega-city, thanks to an ambitious £12.3 billion ($22 billion CAD) redevelopment plan.

This groundbreaking project has recently been given the green light by local officials and promises to create a vibrant, thriving community over the next three decades. Spanning 370 acres of unused land, the development will see the creation of seven distinct neighborhoods, designed to accommodate up to 83,500 residents.

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What sets this project apart is its commitment to preserving the historical essence of the former airport. Developers have pledged to retain key elements of the site, including 11 aircraft hangars and half a mile of the original runway. These remnants of the past will be ingeniously repurposed, giving the new city a unique character that pays homage to the area’s rich history, particularly its role in aircraft manufacturing during World War II.

The heart of the first mixed-use district will feature the old hangars, which will serve as central hubs for community activities. These iconic structures will be surrounded by a mix of shops, restaurants, and even a library, all lining the preserved runway, now reimagined as a pedestrian walkway. This blend of the old and the new is expected to attract a diverse range of businesses and residents, creating a vibrant, interconnected community.

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The first phase of development is anticipated to generate 7,000 new jobs, providing local residents with opportunities to live and work within the same community. This district will include 2,850 housing units, primarily composed of mid-rise apartment buildings, catering to a variety of lifestyles and needs.

Northcrest Developments, the company behind this visionary project, believes that the unique nature of the development will appeal to businesses seeking distinctive and innovative workspaces that are currently unavailable in the market. According to company spokesperson Goring, “There’s an opportunity to attract companies that actually want to be here but can’t because they can’t find these types of locations.”

As the project progresses, it is expected to become a model for sustainable urban development, seamlessly blending history with modernity.