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Aeritas Inc. Announces FreedomPass Travel Industry's First Wireless Check-In and Security Solution Combining Voice Biometric, Digital Barcode and Photo ID
URL(s): www.aeritas.com
IRVING, TEXAS - November 9 , 2001 - Aeritas Inc. today officially
launched FreedomPass(tm), a new wireless check-in and security solution
for the travel industry that uses voiceprint verification along with a
barcode-based boarding pass linked to a passenger's photo ID to enable
secure, convenient wireless check-in. The fully automated system also
significantly lowers airline passenger check-in costs.
Ideal for frequent business flyers, the new solution enables airlines
to speed up the boarding process for customers most vital to their
financial success while at the same time increasing security. By
targeting this low-risk, highly identifiable set of passengers that
could bypass check-in lines and pass more rapidly through security
checkpoints, FreedomPass offers airlines a solution for enhancing
security, reducing airport congestion and returning to profitability.
For heightened security, FreedomPass incorporates advanced
passenger-identification technology. First, a voiceprint match verifies
a passenger's identity, even before the traveler reaches the airport.
After voiceprint verification, a barcode-based boarding pass, along with
flight information, is displayed directly on the passenger's mobile
phone or personal digital assistant (PDA). The barcode is scanned at the
gate while boarding and presents the passenger's stored photo ID, which
is displayed using existing gate equipment, providing a second measure
for verifying a passenger's identity. For additional security, the
system can easily be linked to government databases for watch-list
criminal checks such as the FAA computer assisted pre-screening
passenger system (CAPPS). It also can easy be integrated with other
biometric identification technologies being evaluated.
"Concerns about security, coupled with long lines at the airport, are
having a dampening effect not only on frequent flyers but also on the
overall financial viability of the airline industry," said Tim Whatley,
Aeritas chief executive officer. "Because it works with existing
infrastructure, FreedomPass requires a very minimal investment on the
part of airlines and can be up and running within a 30-60 day window.
This highly secure wireless check-in solution can reduce escalating
check-in costs to under $1.00 per passenger."
"Airlines are under tremendous pressure to restore customer
confidence as it relates to security and to improve the overall travel
experience," said Jim Poage, an investment consultant and former head of
Worldwide Marketing at Sabre. "By providing a secure way to bypass the
lines and go straight to the boarding gate, FreedomPass would offer
immediate value to the airlines' best customers - the frequent business
traveler. Reducing the airlines check-in costs provides a double win
benefit."
In addition to providing secure wireless check-in, FreedomPass enables
airlines to offer travelers a variety of customer-centric services via
their mobile phone or PDA, including flight delay information,
re-accommodation to change seating or re-booking on an alternative
flight. With the Aeritas AerWalletâ, travelers can use their wireless
device to conduct secure, real-time payment transactions in response to
special offerings, upgrades or partner promotions.
FreedomPass testing is currently underway with airlines and partners in
the U.S. and Europe and will soon be available for widespread release.
Using the same proprietary technology, the Aeritas Mobile Platform also
supports applications for the hospitality, sports, entertainment, retail
and other industries.
About Aeritas
Aeritas Inc., a leading innovator in mobile commerce technology, is
redefining the customer experience for the mobile world. The
open-standards, Aeritas Mobile Platform employs patent-pending
technology to deliver secure, user-friendly m-commerce solutions to the
travel, leisure, hospitality, sports, and entertainment and retail
industries. A privately held company, Aeritas Inc. is headquartered in
Texas. For more information, visit www.aeritas.com.
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