Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu has taken a major step forward with a new biometric arrivals system. Working with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system, powered by SITA (a Platinum Sponsor of APEX FTE Asia Expo, Singapore, 11-12 November 2025), is already cutting queues and making entry faster, smoother, and more secure.
Integrated with CBP’s Traveler Verification Service (TVS), the system allows U.S. citizens and, in future phases, permanent residents to process in under three seconds without compromising security. Early results show a 25% reduction in wait times and a 74% cut in processing time compared to the previous arrivals process across all airports that utilise the EPP system.
The deployment was carefully tested before going live at HNL. Face pods were first trialled in different locations using wireless connections, giving HDOT and CBP the flexibility to test passenger flows and confirm the most efficient layout before permanent installation.
“Across the U.S., border agencies are facing a dual challenge: rising passenger numbers and the need to maintain the highest levels of security,” said Shawn Gregor, President, Americas at SITA. “Biometrics are becoming the gold standard to solve both, and Honolulu is showing how this technology can deliver real results with shorter queues, faster processing, and a smoother journey for travellers. By working closely with HDOT and CBP, we’ve demonstrated how the right partnerships can help airports keep pace with national trends while addressing their local needs.”
“With SITA’s technology and our partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Enhanced Passenger Processing is improving the arrivals experience at HNL,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “The improvements in speed and efficiency benefit both passengers and staff, and the flexibility of the system means we can adapt as travel volumes continue to grow. This project shows how collaboration between government, airport, and technology partners can deliver real impact where it matters most – at the passenger journey.”
Hear more from SITA in the Premium Conference at APEX FTE Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025. Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, is participating in the Opening Keynote Panel: ‘Leadership strategies to maximise capacity, operational efficiency, customer experiences, revenues and workforce, while preparing for change in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond’.
See our 12 reasons to attend APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 >> Register for APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 – free to attend >>
