CDF-Lagardère has partnered with Alipay and Airport Authority Hong Kong to launch facial recognition payment in the Duty Zero by cdf by liquor and tobacco stores at Hong Kong International Airport.

Facial recognition (Dragonfly POS device) was officially introduced at HKIA on 12 April. Duty Zero by cdf was the first Hong Kong merchant to launch the concept. It is also the first collaboration between CDFG and Alibaba in an overseas market.

The purpose of the technology is to enable Chinese tourists to make payment through facial recognition technology to enhance the consumer shopping experience.

FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY

Placed next to the checkout, the Dragonfly POS device is the size of an iPad. Customers must input their phone number and then face the camera.

The facial recognition process will then complete the transaction in just a few seconds.

Lee Wing Si, General Manager of Alipay Hong Kong said: “We have been working together with Airport Authority Hong Kong to build a ‘smart airport’ together.

“Mainland Chinese tourists can now enjoy greater convenience when going shopping or dining at HKIA. No matter where they go, all they need is a phone or even their face.”

Kitty Lo, General Manager, Retail Experience, Airport Authority Hong Kong added: “To elevate our passenger’s airport experience, we have implemented different innovative technologies to develop HKIA into a smart airport.

“We have launched the ‘HKG My Flight’ app, smart luggage tag ‘MyTAG’ and e-security gates using biometric technology, to name a few.”

On the retail front, HKIA has also launched a one-stop online shipping platform (HKairport Shop), online shopping enquiry and itinerary planning service and e-coupons.

Lo added: “We are also thrilled to be debuting facial recognition payment in the HKIA. In the future, we will continue to leverage different innovative technologies to provide passengers with a hassle free shopping journey in the airport. “

Devin Pun, General Manager, Duty Zero by cdf commented: “Duty Zero by cdf has been committed to bringing visitors to HKIA an advanced shopping experience since launch.

“Besides this partnership with Alipay, we have launched a pre-order mobile app, which makes us the first airport duty free store in Asia to be able to pre-order hard liquor through the app. In the future, we will also actively explore more possibilities to become a pioneer in innovation and technology in the retail industry!”

Allaying fears over security as far as facial recognition technology is concerned, CDF-Lagardère said it was safer and more reliable than fingerprints.