The Sun Express system, developed by Sun Group after taking over management and operation of Phu Quoc airport, utilizes facial recognition technology directly connected to airline systems. This allows passengers to complete security procedures and board flights contact-free. To use the service, passengers can register their biometrics online via the VNeID application or airline applications. Additionally, the airport provides counters for direct registration support.

Passengers register biometrics at airline check-in counters. Photo: Phu Quoc International Airport

Passengers of domestic airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, Vietjet Air, Vietravel Airlines, VASCO, and Pacific Airlines, can use this biometric journey to pass through automated control gates.

Sun Express comprises automated security gates and automated boarding gates. Once biometric registration is complete, the system verifies passengers' identities using facial recognition technology combined with electronic identification data. This eliminates the need to repeatedly present personal documents at control points while still meeting aviation security requirements.

According to Sun Group, the company proactively developed and operates Sun Express, fully controlling the biometric processing layer, aviation business connectivity, and operational data. This approach allows the system to scale according to actual operational needs and establishes a foundation for future digital services in tourism, hospitality, and aviation.

Passengers quickly complete procedures at an automated boarding gate. Photo: Phu Quoc International Airport

The service is also available directly at New World Phu Quoc Resort and La Festa Phu Quoc, enabling tourists to complete registration before arriving at the airport. The operating unit expects the system to serve from 1,000 to 1,500 passengers daily.

The system is expected to enhance operational capacity, reduce congestion at control points, and progressively realize the smart airport model in Phu Quoc.

Passengers complete procedures using Sun Express at Phu Quoc International Airport. Photo: Phu Quoc International Airport

Before its official operation, Sun Express underwent a trial phase with various groups of passengers on domestic flights. During this period, the system recorded approximately 9,000 online biometric registrations, over 500 counter registrations, and nearly 5,000 uses of the automated gates.

The average authentication time was approximately 2 seconds per transaction, demonstrating stable operational capability and the potential of biometric technology to enhance airport operational efficiency.

Perspective view of Phu Quoc International Airport. Photo: Sun Group

The solution's implementation aligns closely with policies promoting the application of population data, electronic identification, and authentication in providing public services and services to citizens and businesses.

The application of biometric technology, integrated with the national electronic identification and authentication database via the VNeID application, contributes to establishing an end-to-end, closed-loop electronic aviation procedure, gradually replacing traditional document presentation methods.

Thai Anh