QF Automated Boarding Gate - Sydney Domestic

[RooFlyer]

They’re NOT biometric gates.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-trials-automated-boarding-gates

But the hardware installed is clearly biometric capable. You can see the pillars with cameras within in them or capable of housing cameras.

So the question is - if this is merely a better scanning facility, why invest in that extra hardware which isn’t necessary? You don’t need a hardware gate to have computer say no and go no further. Per the comments above they won’t do away with gate agents.

So again, why install these biometric capable gates?

My guess is the company is giving them a free trial of the complete package and Qantas, ever looking into the future, is happy to give it a go. I wonder if they are using the biometrics for in-house training at some time.

 

[anat0l]

I mean, that's kind of why I asked the question...

Is it a cost cutting move? Is it a trial of gates for future use of gates for international flights? I understand that the gates don't need biometric yet, but if the trial was just for less ground staff then why put in biometric gates in?

IIRC currently QF requires two people per gate to board a domestic flight. One of those people is a crew member who (re)boards near the end of the process, while the other one is ground staff.

I guess this automated process could reduce the staff required down to one - so one ground staff member. Normally if there is a problem (e.g. red beep), the ground staffer deals with the issue at the gate desk and that lane of boarding is suspended. With automated gates, boarding could - in theory - continue instead of being suspended if the ground staff needs to perform an intervention.

 

[RooFlyer]

I guess this automated process could reduce the staff required down to one - so one ground staff member.

In that scenario, that’s not reducing staff. The on board member would still be on board.

But I think there are commonly two ground based staffat a gate so if they are looking to reduce that by one I guess that’s a number of positions saved. But it still doesn’t explain whether that why they are trialling biometric capable gates.

 

[anat0l]

In that scenario, that’s not reducing staff. The on board member would still be on board.

But I think there are commonly two ground based staffat a gate so if they are looking to reduce that by one I guess that’s a number of positions saved. But it still doesn’t explain whether that why they are trialling biometric capable gates.

In the former, you're right, it doesn't reduce staff overall, but it means in theory that crew member can do something else besides help at gate.

Maybe these types of gates will be the future. QF at SYD have been chosen to be the guinea pigs to see how they work and any bumps or lumps that go wit it. I dunno.... help me out here....

 

[AuSammy]

Trust AFF to create a conspiracy and make assumptions.

It’s quite clear from the ET article why they are there and that the biometrics are disabled.

 

[RooFlyer]

Trust AFF to create a conspiracy and make assumptions.

It’s quite clear from the ET article why they are there and that the biometrics are disabled.

Where is the conspiracy? These gates are clearly biometric capable and since we sort of know that biometrics aren’t being used, my question remains.

Why install biometric capable gates?

It’s a genuine question. I’ve given my postulated answer which isn’t a criticism of the airline but a compliment if anything. So, what do you ( and others of a similar mind ) think the reason is?

 

[justinbrett]

But the hardware installed is clearly biometric capable. You can see the pillars with cameras within in them or capable of housing cameras.

So the question is - if this is merely a better scanning facility, why invest in that extra hardware which isn’t necessary? You don’t need a hardware gate to have computer say no and go no further. Per the comments above they won’t do away with gate agents.

So again, why install these biometric capable gates?

My guess is the company is giving them a free trial of the complete package and Qantas, ever looking into the future, is happy to give it a go. I wonder if they are using the biometrics for in-house training at some time.

Maybe they can get cheaper models that don't have the cameras at all. But maybe not, looking at other airlines who already use them in this manner.

AY HEL use them for Schengen in the boarding pass only mode. They even use them for lounge entry. I thought we discussed this at great length. The manufacturer talks about adding biometrics, not them coming as standard (sure might come with the cameras but disabled by software).

Since we are quite outnumbered in having domestic only terminals that don't require ID, the market for such devices is probably small and it's probably just cheaper to have a standardised model and add the extra features as required. It's a pretty safe bet SITA charge an ongoing fee for these that probably increase the more features are used. BMW seat heaters anyone?