The German firm secunet has won in a tendering process against international competition, and will supply the first automatic border control system (eGates) to Iceland.
As part of a co-operation between Isavia, the operator of Keflavik International Airport outside the Icelandic capital, the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and the Sudurnes district police, the German company will initially install and put into operation 12 eGates at Keflavik in summer 2017.
Keflavik reports a steady growth in passenger numbers, and is used as a hub for intercontinental flights between Europe and North America. Using secunet’s automated border control systems will make the control process quicker and more convenient for travellers, according to the product firm. The eGates should reduce transfer times as well as speed up arrivals and departures.
The eGates are similar to the systems already used in German airports, as well as at Prague airport in the Czech Republic. secunet easygates check ID documents optically and electronically for authenticity, read the passenger’s facial image stored in the ID document, and compare it to a captured live image. The easygate features a camera integrated into the exit door of the eGate. The camera is positioned facing the passenger. Border police monitor the whole process and can concentrate on those travellers requiring more thorough checks.
The tender awarded covers a complete automated border control system. It initially consists of 12 eGates, the required background systems, and the monitoring workstations for border control staff. secunet will also undertake maintenance and further development of the system for the next three years. For the first time, a secure remote maintenance access will be integrated into the system, using a SINA-based solution. A SINA Box – a secure VPN gateway – will complement the secunet ABC system, enabling the operator to receive remote support, the makers add.
