Sign in Subscribe
Airlines

Verified ID and British Airways Partner to Launch Clear RT Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Verified ID, a leading provider of biometric identification systems, has partnered with British Airways to launch the Clear Registered Traveler (RT) program at the airline's Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy International Airport this fall. The agreement marks the first facility in the New York area to have RT and enables British Airways to market Clear to its customers across North America. The partnership is contingent upon the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) giving the okay to a national RT program, expected to roll out sometime this fall.

Key Takeaways:

  • Verified ID has partnered with British Airways to launch the Clear RT program at Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy International Airport this fall.
  • The partnership marks the first facility in the New York area to have RT and enables British Airways to market Clear to its customers across North America.
  • The rollout of RT services at other airports and by British Airways is contingent upon TSA approval of a national RT program, expected this fall.
  • Verified ID is leading the development of RT service providers, with Saflink and Unisys also participating.
  • Orlando is the only airport with an operational RT program, with several others having secured sponsors for the program.
  • Under the RT program, smart cards with biometrically encrypted information will be issued to applicants who have completed TSA security and background checks.
  • The smart cards and screening kiosks used by each service provider are interoperable, allowing for efficient and secure identification.
  • TSA may not have expedited screening procedures or new approved screening products ready for the national RT program, but competing service providers hope to attract consumers with discounts and incentives.
  • Verified ID has secured sponsors for RT programs at airports in Orlando, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, San Jose, Calif., Indianapolis, Ind., and Toronto, Canada.

Statistics:

  • 1 RT program operational at Orlando Airport
  • 6 airlines and airports secured sponsors for RT programs (Orlando, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, San Jose, Calif., Indianapolis, Ind., and Toronto, Canada)
  • Estimated time frame for national RT program rollout: sometime this fall
  • Number of competing RT service providers: at least 3 (Verified ID, Saflink, and Unisys)
  • Anticipated number of smart cards to be issued for the national RT program: not specified
  • Fee for issuing smart cards: not specified

Sources:

  • Verified ID Verified Identity Pass and British Airways agree to launch Clear RT program.
  • Saflink ticker: [SFlK]
  • Unisys ticker: [UIS]

Read more