YVR's Innovative Travel Solutions becomes first in Europe to provide permanent kiosks for Entry and Exit border control
Cyprus airports install 74 BORDERXPRESS kiosks to enhance security,
speed of service and improve experience for passengers
RICHMOND, BC, July 10, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Vancouver International Airport's (YVR) Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) announced the installation of 74 BORDERXPRESS kiosks at Pafos International Airport (Pafos) and Larnaka International Airport (Larnaka) in Cyprus. This marks a major milestone for the industry and ITS, as today's announcement is the first implementation of permanent kiosks for Entry and Exit border control in Europe.
Hermes Airports Ltd, operating Pafos and Larnaka airports, is installing the kiosks to enable passengers to independently complete passport control procedures under the supervision of Hermes personnel and with the approval of Cyprus Police.
"As the demand for air travel continues to increase, airports around the world must embrace and implement innovative technologies to solve critical passenger processing challenges," says Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "BORDERXPRESS kiosks will increase efficiencies and improve the overall passenger experience at Pafos and Larnaka airports while enhancing safety and security within the European Union."
BORDERXPRESS uses self-service biometric-enabled kiosks to expedite the border clearance process without compromising security. The Entry and Exit process is the same, in that, at the kiosk, travellers select their language, scan their travel documents and answer a few simple questions. The kiosk also captures an image of each passenger's face which can be compared with and verified against the photo in their electronic passport, though the kiosks do accept non-ePassports and EU Identity documents as well. Travellers then take their completed kiosk receipt to a border services officer. The Exit kiosks are available for use by all travellers while the Entry kiosks are only available to EU citizens due to government specifications.
"We are dedicated to establishing Pafos and Larnaka as industry leading airports, and our commitment to prioritizing both safety and passenger experience is paramount to this, especially as we seek to increase passenger traffic," says Eleni Kaloyirou, Chief Executive Officer at Hermes Airports. "Following the success of a pilot project to test the efficiency of BORDERXPRESS for Exit control at Pafos airport, we're delighted to build on our partnership with YVR's Innovative Travel Solutions with the implementation of seventy-four kiosks at Larnaka and Pafos airports".
BORDERXPRESS kiosks provide a modern and efficient experience, and are a smart choice for airports and governments as they help to reduce overall operating costs and allow airports to expand passenger traffic without having to add additional space or staffing resources. The kiosks also free up border security officers to focus more closely on enforcement and intelligence efforts.
This technology was developed by Innovative Travel Solutions, an independent business unit within Vancouver International Airport (YVR), named Best Airport in North America for the ninth consecutive year. The kiosks can be easily configured to meet the needs of governments around the world looking to reduce border line-ups at entrance and exit points and improve the safety and security of borders.
"With today's announcement, Pafos and Larnaka airports are simplifying and enhancing the border Entry and Exit process for both airport personnel and travellers," says Chris Gilliland, Director of ITS, Vancouver Airport Authority. "BORDERXPRESS has proven its success and efficiency at airports across Canada and the United States. Today, we are proud to be introducing our solution to the European market. This is a significant accomplishment for Innovative Travel Solutions, Hermes Airports, the Cyprus government and the industry, overall."
With more than 1,500 kiosks in 41 airport and sea ports, BORDERXPRESS has processed over 181 million passengers in over 35 languages globally, and reduced passenger wait times by more than 50 per cent.
About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 24.2 million passengers in 2017. Fifty-six airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 127 non-stop destinations worldwide. In 2016, YVR received CAPA Centre for Aviation's prestigious Airport of the Year Award and was voted Best Airport in North America for the ninth consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2018. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2017 donated more than $1,000,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.
About YVR Innovative Travel Solutions
Innovative Travel Solutions (ITS) is the innovation team at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), voted North America's Best Airport for nine straight years by Skytrax World Airport Awards. In 2009, the innovation team implemented BORDERXPRESS at Vancouver International Airport and soon discovered that other airports and governments might also want the ability to reduce wait times and increase their international arrives traffic without having to add additional space or staffing resources. YVR has now sold over 1,500 kiosks to 41 airport and seaport locations worldwide, processing more than 181 million passengers – more than any other automated passport control provider. In May 2018, the team at ITS set their sights on the next innovation in the evolution of the passenger experience with the launch of CHECKITXPRESS, the world's most accessible, efficient and intuitive self-service bag drop. CHECKITXPRESS improves ease of use for travellers regardless of age, digital fluency, language or mobility, and is the result of a collaboration between YVR and Glidepath, one of the world's leaders in airport baggage handling.
Twitter: @yvrairport
Innovative Travel Solutions
SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority
YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815; [email protected]
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