The system will help in authenticating the identity of travellers and will confirm their flight information in near real time. Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US has deployed credential authentication technology (CAT) at Des Moines International Airport.

The technology, deployed at the TSA checkpoint, will help the officials to authenticate the identity of travellers and confirm their flight information in near real time.

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It is also expected to boost capabilities in detecting fraudulent documents, enhancing safety at the airport.

A CAT unit comprises a passport reader, an ID card reader, a Federal personal identity verification ID card reader, a monitor, a stand and a UV light. It is designed to authenticate several thousand types of identity proofs.

TSA Iowa federal security director John Bright said: “The new credential authentication technology (CAT) unit enhances our detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent driver’s licences, passports and other forms of ID at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automatically verifying passenger identification.

“The credential authentication system will also confirm the passenger’s flight status in near real time through a secured connection. As an added bonus, use of the system helps reduce touchpoints during the pandemic.”

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The CAT system requires passengers to insert their ID into the scanner for authentication while boarding passes will be cleared through visual inspection, reducing touchpoints at the airport.

Travellers are still required to check-in with their airline in advance, even after the deployment of the CAT system.

In August, TSA deployed CAT units at Baltimore / Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Recently, the agency installed a similar system at the security checkpoint of Atlantic City International Airport.