Rapporteur Summary of Day 1

Solomon Wong began his summary of the first day by highlighting several key trends that are shaping the future of travel. One of the most notable trends is the increase in U.S. passport ownership, driven by a robust outbound market. More U.S. residents are traveling internationally, reflecting a growing desire for global exploration and cultural exchange. This surge in international travel is supported by the widespread adoption of biometrics in consumer devices, which has revolutionized the travel experience by making it more touchless and efficient. Wong emphasized how biometric technology, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, is becoming integral to the travel process, enhancing security while reducing the need for physical contact.

Wong also emphasized the importance of leveraging free aircraft Wi-Fi, an increasingly common feature, for CBP processing. This connectivity not only enhances the passenger experience but also opens up new possibilities for bidirectional communication. For instance, it can facilitate the management of inbound processes, allowing passengers to complete certain customs and immigration procedures while still in the air. This innovation could significantly reduce wait times upon arrival and streamline the overall travel experience. Additionally, Wong highlighted the potential of language devices for simultaneous interpretation, which could break down language barriers and make international travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Focusing on the future of passengers, Wong echoed the sentiments of panelists regarding the evolving expectations for travel products. There is a growing demand for premium leisure experiences and meaningful travel, particularly among millennials. This demographic’s increasing income levels and unique shopping habits make them an attractive market for tailored travel products and services.

Wong then turned to the modernization of FIS, emphasizing the need for airport facilities to adapt over the next 5, 10, and 25 years. He outlined the importance of incorporating advanced technologies, flexible infrastructure, and innovative processes to meet the evolving needs of travelers and ensure efficient, secure, and resilient border processing.

Modernizing airport facilities to better utilize time involves streamlining passenger processing by CBP officers, especially for those with tight connections. Implementing advanced technologies such as automated passport control, biometric verification, and AI-driven risk assessments can significantly reduce processing times. These technologies allow for quicker identification and clearance of low-risk travelers, enabling CBP officers to focus on higher-risk individuals. Additionally, pre-arrival processing and virtual facilities can handle many procedures before passengers even land, further minimizing the time spent at checkpoints and ensuring smoother transitions for travelers with limited layover times.

Space constraints at airports present another challenge, as the physical footprint between the airfield, terminal, and landside areas cannot be easily expanded to accommodate increased traffic. To address this challenge, airports must adopt innovative solutions that maximize the use of existing space. This includes integrating multifunctional areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as combined security and customs checkpoints. The use of virtual and remote processing facilities can also alleviate space pressures by shifting some operations off-site. Furthermore, optimizing baggage handling systems and managing passenger flow more efficiently can help make the most of the available space without the need for extensive physical expansion.

Effective risk management is crucial in dealing with the unexpected nature of changing border threats. Modernizing airport facilities with advanced risk management tools and technologies can enhance the facility’s ability to detect and respond to potential threats. This includes the use of real-time data analytics, AI-driven threat detection, and enhanced biometric systems to identify suspicious activities and individuals. By leveraging global data sharing and collaboration with international security agencies, airports can stay ahead of emerging threats. Additionally, fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement within airport operations ensures that facilities remain resilient and able to handle new challenges as they arise.