Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and London's Heathrow Airport will launch a trial project using biometrics technology to evaluate a simplified and secure process flow for international travelers.

The use of biometrics technology, including fingerprint, is expected to simplify existing procedures and enhance airport security and border-control efficiency, according to a letter of intent signed by Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok and the United Kingdom Immigration Service's Director of Border Control Tony Smith here on Monday.

The trial is a project under the Ideal Process Flow concept developed by the Simplifying Passenger Travel Interest Group led by the International Air Transport Association.

It will be conducted at London's Heathrow Airport, the Hong Kong International Airport and the Dubai International Airport and will, however, initially involve volunteers.

The trial project will involve border-control authorities, airlines, airport authorities and technology providers, according to the letter of intent.

A spokesman for the Immigration Department said the introduction of the e-passport has provided a new common platform for border control authorities throughout the world to develop a more simplified and yet more secure ways to process the increasing number of people traveling.

Based on the capabilities provided by the e-passport, the trial will look into the possibilities of facilitating the travel of e- passport holders through automated facilities such as e-channel.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2006)