Sagem Sécurité launches SmartGate in New Zealand
Sagem Sécurité installs facial recognition system at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand; Aussie and Kiwi travelers with e-passports will be identified from the photo stored in the chip of the e-Passport
Facial recognition comes to New Zealand. SmartGate, an automated border control system using facial recognition, is now available at Auckland International Airport in New Zealand. This launch is the first step of the new long-term partnership signed between New Zealand Customs Service and Sagem Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) for the implementation of improved border control solutions.
>Accessible to New Zealand and Australian e-Passport holders, SmartGate identifies travelers in real time using facial recognition from the photo stored in the chip of the e-Passport. The solution is designed to help the New Zealand Customs Service to process travelers with more efficiency and security.
“SmartGate is a welcome initiative that will improve the efficiency of trans-Tasman air travel, particularly for frequent flyers” said comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, Martyn Dunne.
“This success not only confirms the leadership of Sagem Sécurité in facial recognition technology, but also demonstrates its major role and involvement for secured border control solutions in New Zealand and Australia. A border systems technology working group comprised of Sagem Sécurité, and border control authorities in New Zealand and Australia, will be created to further develop synergies and optimize cooperation in a 2-way joint relationship.” said Jean-Paul Jainsky, chairman and CEO of Sagem Sécurité.
SmartGate is the same automated system already deployed in most International Australian airports; it will additionally be rolled out in both Christchurch and Wellington International airports by mid 2010.
