Gatwick to introduce auto-boarding in 2022

Extensive testing in conjunction with easyJet last year at the airport saw more than 20,000 international passengers travelling to European destinations use the facial-recognition technology.

With the vast majority of those tested saying the found the technology easy to use while speeding boarding up, it is set to be rolled out in the new extension to Pier 6 once it is completed in 2022.

A spokesman said: “Last year Gatwick ran one of the most extensive passenger trials of biometric auto-boarding technology with over 20,000 international passengers experiencing the technology for the first time across a whole range of European destinations.

“More than 90% of those interviewed said they found the technology extremely easy to use and the trial demonstrated faster boarding of the aircraft for the airline and a significant reduction in queue time for passengers.”

He added the extra time created by the technology will mean there is less pressure on customers to board their aircraft well in advance of take off.

The spokesman said: “One of the major benefits for passengers will be the open gate-room concept that Gatwick will be able to enable with this technology.

“This will allow passengers to spend more time enjoying the shops or having a last-minute coffee before boarding their flight.”

The Pier 6 extension and new technology is part of a £1.11 billion investment being made in the airport which will also sew a new car park and taxi way built among other projects.

Gatwick handled 46.4 million passengers in the year ending 31 March 2019, with much of the growth coming from the additional 1.1 million long haul passengers and who now account for one in five of all customers.