A world-first facial recognition technology aimed at providing guests and millions of airasia Super App users with not only a fully digital and contactless journey on AirAsia flights but also enhanced convenience, security, and safety for all their travels and lifestyle needs.
Initially rolled out for air travel, Fast Airport Clearance Experience System (FACES) will now make the airasia Super App the one-stop-shop that immediately identifies customers via instant facial recognition, to order and pay for the many travel and lifestyle offerings seamlessly on the one app.
The state-of-the-art technology was officially launched at RedSation, KL Sentral today by Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Limited; Amanda Woo, CEO of airasia Super App; Pablo Sanz Salcedo, Chief Product & Technology Officer of AirAsia; Javed Malik, Chief Operating Officer of AirAsia Group; and Captain Chester Voo Chee Soon, CEO of Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
“Facial technology is already transforming our everyday lives, through the simple unlocking of our phones for example. While others may be launching similar technology, ours is truly a world first as it opens the door to much more than just air travel. As the first airline to introduce this facial recognition technology tailored to our digital travel and lifestyle platform, we are continuing to deploy innovations that not only take the hassle out of flying in the new world but make a difference to everyday lifestyle needs,” according to Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group.
“FACES is the latest contactless technological innovation that we have developed in-house, as part of our strict Covid-19 mitigation procedures and as we welcome the resumption of interstate travel now and international travel in the near future. Importantly, guests flying with us can check-in online anywhere, anytime in just a click of the button once registered with FACES, supporting our efforts to restore confidence in air travel through technology and enhanced safety measures. Research has shown travelers feel safer using touchless processing throughout the airport,” added by Lingam.
A simultaneous launch was also held at AirAsia RedPoint headquarters in NAIA T3 with AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla and CFO Ray Berja leading the Filipino Allstars during the FACES registration process.
“We are very excited to share this latest innovation among Filipinos. This is the better normal in air travel that we are talking about. It’s convenient, contactless, and inclusive. At AirAsia, we always think 2, 3 steps ahead, or more for the benefit of our guests. This is also our response to the unprecedented growth of e-commerce in the Philippines, ensuring safe and secured transactions online,” said Isla.
The local rollout of FACES will initially cover AirAsia employees who will pilot test the game-changing technology while waiting for the regulatory approval process in the Philippines. AirAsia Philippines guests and users of the airasia Super App meanwhile are set to experience FACES sometime in Q1 of 2022.
Amanda Woo, CEO of airasia Super App said, “The launch of FACES today on our super app is truly a game-changer, marking another major milestone which is in sync with our ongoing commitment to continuously enhance the customer experience through digital innovation. The revolutionary system will soon unlock all the offerings available on the airasia Super App, including flights, hotels, ordering food, deliveries, ride-hailing and so much more with just a quick facial scan process.”