MIAMI, Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 7, Miami International Airport's new biometrics-only passport screening facility - the first of its kind in the U.S. – was chosen from among 80 nominations worldwide as the 2018 International Airport Review Award winner in the Passenger Experience and Seamless Travel category.
After receiving more than 12,000 votes from members of the aviation industry, the award submissions were shortlisted by a process of votes received and by each entry being judged on its own individual merit. The shortlist was then submitted to a panel of industry experts to judge the winners in each category.
"Congratulations to MIA for once again being recognized as a global leader in the field of seamless passenger screening and innovative technology," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "Recent enhancements are providing the world-class travel experience we want all our visitors to have when they enter Miami-Dade County."
Since MIA launched its biometric entry pilot program in November 2017, its renovated Concourse E facility has been screening as many as 10 passengers per minute via facial recognition. The new technology by U.S. Customs and Border Protection verifies a traveler's identity by matching their facial image to the document they are presenting. The airlines now using the Concourse E facility have seen their wait times decrease by 30 to 80 percent year over year since relocating from MIA's Concourse D. MIA expects to begin expanding biometric entry processing to its Concourse D and J passport control facilities in 2019.
"We are honored to be recognized by International Airport Review, and by voters from our industry, for the launch of this cutting-edge passport screening facility," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Lester Sola. "We look forward to partnering with CBP on the expansion of biometric screening throughout our terminal, which will mean shorter, smoother wait times for all our passengers."
Launched to celebrate industry excellence, the International Airport Awards are open to airports and suppliers alike, and invite organizations to submit entries that showcase innovation in 11 categories across the airport and aviation industry. International Airport Review is one of the leading sources of information for the airport and aviation community, covering passenger experience, airside operations, terminal operations, security, information technology, ATC/ATM, airport development, construction and design.
Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America's third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $30.9 billion annually and welcoming nearly 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA's vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com.
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