Through the use of biometrics, the card will enhance the restricted area pass system currently in place at Canada's twenty-nine major airports for airport personnel, including flight crews, refuelers, caterers and others who require access to restricted areas. The Restricted Area Identity Card incorporates unique human characteristics, such as fingerprints and iris patterns, and leading-edge technology to accurately identify individuals accessing restricted areas at airports, and is the world's first-ever dual biometric airport identification system.
"We are always exploring methods to continuously improve all aspects of aviation security," said Minister Cannon. "Biometric technology is used around the world by security and police organizations to authenticate identity and will play an important role in helping to keep Canada's airports and skies safe."
Transport Canada and CATSA have been working in partnership with airport authorities to develop and deploy this enhanced card system, which uses biometrics to support the issuance, verification, cancellation and tracking of restricted area identification cards. To gain access to an airport's restricted area, cardholders will be required to have either their fingerprint or iris scanned by biometric readers at individual airports.
This new card system is scheduled to be deployed at Canada's twenty-nine major airports for approximately 120,000 aviation workers by December 31, 2006.
