Richmond International Airport debuts new security technology

Richmond International Airport has rolled out a new security technology to verify travelers’ identities and flight information in real-time.

The new system, called Credential Authentication Technology, is now in use at the Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints at the airport. It can scan a traveler’s photo ID and compare it to the image he or she provided when at check-in. If the records match, the traveler’s identity is verified and he or she can proceed through the security checkpoint without having to exchange a boarding pass.

The CAT-2 system also has a camera so that it can also take a real-time photo of the traveler and compare it to the image on the ID, as a way to help identify fraudulent documents. The photos are not stored and are only used to match the traveler’s identity at the security checkpoint, according to officials.

“Identity verification of every traveler prior to flying is a key step in the security screening process,” said Robin “Chuck” Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger’s identification. We just want to ensure that you are who you say you are.” The new system is part of the airport’s efforts to improve the security process and make it more efficient.