New Iris Security system has eye on the future
Manchester Airport is to introduce state-of-the-art iris recognition security as part of a drive to tighten staff access to the restricted zone.
By Summer 2008 all Manchester Airport restricted zone pass holders must be enrolled on the new staff iris system, which uses biometric technology to grant access to controlled areas. A trial of the technology at the T3 service yard where an iris recognition camera system photographs the eyes of everyone passing through and compares their unique iris to the one held on record, has proved so successful that it is being extended to include T1 and T2 service yards.
Manchester Airport’s Security and Training Manager Asha Williams said: “The trial of the technology has gone really well and we are now extending to include two new areas of access to the restricted zone. We’re always looking for new ways to simplify and further improve the robust security screening process of both passengers and staff and by harnessing this clever technology we can achieve both those goals.”
Staff using the new entry points will still continue to use and display their ID cards. They will swipe their card and enter a personal pin number before entering a booth where a specialised camera will check their iris. The iris information is held on secure access control system only operated by Manchester Airport’s pass office. The information is not being shared with any other organisation, nor used for any other purposes aside from the enhancement of the security within the airport.
Manchester is the first UK airport to use the technology for staff access. The system is separate from the passenger iris system used by immigration in T1 and T2. The company behind the staff iris scheme technology is Human Recognition System, in conjunction with CEM Systems. Simon Meyer, Project Manager, explained: “The system has been incredibly successful and improved the overall security screening process of staff who pass through to the restricted zone. The technology is cutting-edge but proven and we are delighted that it has proved so successful that the scheme is being rolled out across all the terminals.”
The scheme is being rolled out in phases. All new and renewed pass holders are now registered for the scheme when their pass is issued. Staff using T3 service yard must be registered by February, those using T2 by March and those using T1 by May.
16 January 2008