Biometrics for a New Era of Travel

Project Overview

SKY ICT has developed a Biometric Identification system—facial recognition–based identity verification—to deliver a fully touchless travel experience for passengers at major airports across Thailand. Built on the One-ID concept, the solution allows travelers to use “One ID” to seamlessly pass through every service point, from check-in and security screening to boarding gates.

This biometric system integrates with CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing System), SKY ICT’s end-to-end ground technology platform that supports every airport process—from staff-assisted and self-service check-in to passenger validation and automated boarding gates.

Challenges

Air travel requires multiple document checks—such as passports and boarding passes—creating bottlenecks across many service points. The continuous rise in domestic passenger volume demands systems that are fast, secure, and capable of handling high throughput.

Additionally, in the post-COVID era, the need for touchless processes and enhanced hygiene has become essential. The aviation industry now requires identity-verification solutions that are both highly accurate and secure, while remaining easy to use and passenger-friendly.

Solutions Developed by SKY ICT

One-ID Biometric System

Passengers register their facial data once, which is then converted into a Travel Token used in place of physical documents. This enables seamless movement through check-in, security screening, and boarding without repeatedly presenting paperwork.

Integrated with the CUPPS Platform

The Touchless solutions deployed across airports include:

• CUTE – Common Use Terminal Equipment
A counter check-in system that allows multiple airlines to share counters using a common-use standard. It enhances efficiency by enabling check-in and boarding-pass verification through airline applications and unified systems.

• CUSS – Common Use Self-Service Check-in
A self-service kiosk that allows passengers to check in independently. Passengers scan their passports, enter their booking or frequent flyer number, and the system verifies the data with the airline and prints the boarding pass. If baggage is checked, the kiosk prints a baggage tag for the passenger to attach before proceeding to the Self-Bag Drop.

• CUBD – Common Use Bag Drop
An automated baggage-drop system that allows passengers to scan their boarding pass and baggage tag to load their luggage. The system streamlines baggage handling and enhances operational efficiency.

• PVS – Passenger Validation System
A passenger identity-validation system that verifies travel information to enhance airport security and support airline and ground-handling staff. It can track passengers inside the airport and control access to specific zones based on conditions—for example, limiting domestic passengers to certain areas or granting lounge access for Business and First Class travelers.

• SBG – Self-Boarding Gate
An automated boarding gate system that improves passenger flow by using biometric technology to match a passenger’s face with their boarding-pass data. If the data matches, the gate opens automatically; if not, the passenger is directed to staff. A manual boarding lane remains available as backup.

Automated Biometric Identification

This system uses biometric identifiers—such as facial and iris data—to reduce complex processing steps. Information is captured at check-in as part of the One-ID process, eliminating the need for multiple forms of identification. Passengers simply scan their face at each checkpoint, enabling rapid and convenient travel. It is among the most effective methods of identity verification available today.

Mr. Sitthidej Mailap added that the adoption of biometric technology in airports brings significant benefits for both travelers and airport staff.

The system reduces procedural steps and accelerates passenger processing, as travelers no longer need to present passports or boarding passes to verify their identity. With the biometric system, passengers can simply use their face as their identification throughout the journey.

Beyond convenience, this technology also enhances hygiene and safety by minimizing physical contact within the airport environment — a crucial factor in large international hubs that welcome millions of travelers from around the world.

System Deployment Timeline

• November 1, 2024 – Launched for domestic passengers
• December 1, 2024 – Expanded to international passengers

Data Security Standards

The system is developed in full compliance with PDPA and international security guidelines to protect passengers’ sensitive information.

Real Outcomes & Key Benefits

• Faster Processing – Reduces repetitive steps by eliminating the need to show passports and boarding passes multiple times
• Touchless Experience – Supports modern hygiene and safety expectations
• Smoother Passenger Journey – Travel becomes more convenient using your face as your boarding pass
• High Passenger Capacity – Deployed across AOT’s six major airports:
  Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai
• Enhanced Image of Thailand’s Aviation Industry – Moves the country toward a true Smart Airport and Touchless Society

What We Aim to Develop Next

• Expand Touchless services to cover more aspects of travel and future infrastructure
• Drive Thailand’s full transition toward a truly end-to-end Smart Airport
• Integrate AI, Data, and IoT technologies to enhance overall ecosystem efficiency
• Support the growing number of travelers by delivering a faster, safer, and world-class passenger experience

In the past, SKY, as a developer of ground travel facilitation technologies, has implemented the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) across airports in Thailand. The CUPPS system currently in operation comprises:

• CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment): common-use check-in counter system
• CUSS (Common Use Self Check-in System): self-service check-in kiosks
• CUBD (Common Use Bag Drop): self-service baggage drop system
• PVS (Passenger Validation System): passenger verification system
• SBG (Self-Boarding Gate): automated boarding gate system
• and most recently, the Biometric or One-ID System

Together, these six technologies represent SKY’s confidence in enabling Thailand to move toward a Touchless Society, starting from the very first step travelers take upon entering the country. As the nation’s front gateway, airports serve as the beginning of a seamless and comfortable travel experience. This initiative aligns with SKY’s mission to support Thailand’s transformation from the New Normal to the Now Normal, ensuring that every passenger journey is safe, secure, and convenient.

Sky ICT Public Company Limited (SKY) is a leading technology provider in Thailand specializing in aviation technology, intelligent security solutions, and digital platforms.

The company is committed to continuously developing and delivering innovative solutions that align with the growth of the aviation industry, while enhancing quality of life and delivering the best travel experience for passengers through a wide range of services — including system integration, applications, security systems, and airport facilitation services.