The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled the first vision of the new "Checkpoint of the Future", which aims to enhance airport security and reduce queues.

Delegates at IATA's 67th AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Singapore were given the opportunity to view the system, which uses intelligence-driven, risk-based measures. Included in the main concepts of the checkpoint is the strengthening of security by directing resources to where risk is deemed to be the greatest.

The system will then support this approach by integrating passenger information, while also maximising "throughput" for the majority of travellers offering low risk. Three lanes - known traveller, normal and enhanced security - will channel passengers after biometric data triggers a risk assessment.

Known travellers will have already completed background checks, while the majority will be directed to the normal lane. Individuals selected at random; for whom less information is available; or who pose an "elevated risk" will use the enhanced security lane. IATA director general and chief executive officer Giovanni Bisignani said: "We need a process that responds to today's threat. It must amalgamate intelligence based on passenger information and new technology.

"That means moving from a system that looks for bad objects, to one that can find bad people." Image: IATA