Passengers will have their eyes scanned as soon as they check in as part of a new trial a major UK airport. High-tech machines that can recognise an individual's iris as they walk around will be installed at Manchester Airport at check in during the government-backed pilot.The technology has the potential to overhaul security and customs, with airport bosses hoping it could help in the fight against terrorism. Passengers who agree to take part will have their iris scanned at check in and it will then be used to identify them as they enter the security search area when it is scanned again. Although the system is in the early stages of development, officials hope it could stop criminals from swapping boarding cards between arriving at the airport and getting on a plane - as the technology will scan the person, not the ticket. Volunteers for the scheme are asked to walk through a demonstration scanner, at the end of a 5 metre-long walkway, at a normal pace. As they emerge at the other side the passengers can then see on screen whether they have been correctly identified. The firm behind the technology, Human Recognition Systems, say the early results have been 'very positive' in terms of accuracy. The move to track passengers around an airport is the latest use of technology by Manchester Airport bosses to speed up its security procedures. (Daily Mail)
