Thales ups airport security

By EgovAsia Editors | Aug 26, 2010

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Thales has partnered with Human Recognition Systems, UK-based identity management and biometric specialists,  to deliver the INSTINCT-Technology Demonstrator 2 (TD2) Airport Security Program. 

The INSTINCT-TD2 project is a government initiative to discover, trial and showcase emergent airport security technologies, solutions and ideas. Security Minister Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones said, “The threat to our security is real and is evolving, and technology can play a key role in reducing that threat. This project shows how the government is working with industry to find those innovative and emerging technologies.”

Human Recognition Systems will be actively involved in the delivery of the TD2 program with Airport Security Expert and head of Transport at Human Recognition Systems, Jim Slevin, taking a position on the Independent Review Board. The Board will consist of representatives from Thales, academia, the participating airports and a cross-government team anchored within the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) in the Home Office.

Companies and academic institutions are being invited to submit applications that outline how their technology can be used in airports to improve security. The Independent Review Board will be responsible for processing all submissions received and selecting a number to demonstrate and trial their technology in simulated and live environments within the next few months.

Neil Norman, CEO of Human Recognition Systems, commented, “We have been actively developing security solutions within the Airport sector for the last seven years. Our solutions use the latest in biometric, identity management and image processing technology, and have been developed in close consultation with our clients and the airport regulatory authorities. We are pleased to be involved in helping Thales deliver the TD2 Program; our experience and knowledge of the airport sector and commitment to cutting edge technologies will ensure we provide valuable contribution to the programme and the demonstrators involved.”