Transforming Travel: Biometric Innovations in Portuguese Airports

25 January 2024

Portuguese airports have recently introduced an innovative biometric experience, commencing earlier this year at Lisbon and Porto airports. By mid-2024, this transformative travel initiative will extend to Faro, Ponta Delgada, and Funchal airports, offering passengers an enhanced journey experience. This pioneering project is a collaborative effort between ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal/VINCI Airports and Vision-Box, a leading technology company specializing in the travel industry.


The initial phase of the program, implemented at Lisbon and Porto airports, is managed by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal/VINCI Airports and is exclusively available for TAP Air Portugal flights. Passengers aged 18 and above travelling within the Schengen area can benefit from this streamlined biometric process. The final goal is to broaden this initiative to encompass more destinations and airlines, ensuring widespread accessibility and convenience.


Funding for these cutting-edge biometric experiences is provided by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PPR) and the NextGenerationEU program, through the Accelerate and Transform Tourism Agenda. This strategic agenda aims to transform the customer journey experience in Portugal improving the same, particularly within the tourism sector.


Vision-Box spearheads this innovative travel experience through its Seamless Journey Platform, which seamlessly integrates biometric devices into existing systems for real-time data orchestration. This ensures seamless cooperation among various travel stakeholders' systems, optimising efficiency, security, and convenience for both passengers and stakeholders alike. Notably, this modern approach eliminates the need for traditional boarding passes and travel documents, fostering a privacy-focused ecosystem.


Beginning with enrolment, travellers have the option to register conveniently through ANA Aeroportos' mobile app, supported by Vision-Box Seamless Mobile SDK. Instead, at the airport, biometrically enabled self-service check-in kiosks equipped with Vision-Box's Seamless Kiosks enable travellers to register independently, or they can seek assistance at check-in counters utilizing Vision-Box's Seamless Desk. Successively, enrolled travellers can navigate the airport effortlessly, relying solely on facial recognition at biometrically enabled Vision-Box Security Gates. During boarding, passengers can utilise Vision-Box Self-Boarding Gates, leveraging advanced AI-enabled Vision-Box Facial Recognition Algorithm.



This groundbreaking initiative aligns seamlessly with the Portuguese government's digitalization agenda, aimed at propelling growth within the tourism sector. Furthermore, Lisbon's recognition as the capital of innovation in Europe underscores the city's commitment to pioneering advancements in travel technology and passenger experience.

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