Biometric Pilot Program Will Address Security and Efficiency for Frequent Air Travelers

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) awarded Unisys a contract for three of five airports under TSA's Registered Traveler Pilot Program. Registered Traveler permits frequent fliers to obtain a biometric credential -- a unique identifier, such as a fingerprint or iris scan, that enables them to navigate airport security checkpoints more efficiently without compromising the security standards TSA has implemented.

Unisys will use both iris and fingerprint recognition technologies at three locations -- Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The pilot is scheduled to last 90 days at each airport.

Registered Traveler expands Unisys longstanding role as a trusted partner of the TSA. It is the company's second biometric engagement with TSA in less than a year. In November, Unisys was awarded TSA's Airline Access Control Pilot Program under which it is evaluating biometric technologies that could enhance security for access to secure locations within airports.

This contract is separate from Unisys information technology managed services (ITMS) work for TSA, which was awarded in August 2002. Under ITMS, Unisys and its partners are providing and managing the information technology infrastructure for TSA's headquarters and workforce at the nation's 445 commercial airports.