High-flying access control

Access & Identity Management Handbook 2004 Access Control & Identity Management

Project scope

20 biometric enrolment stations Morpho Enrolment & Management System.

100 fixed biometric terminals: MorphoAccess.

15 mobile biometric terminals: MorphoTouch.

90 000 employees.

Two airports.

Approximately 30 000 biometric access control transactions take place each day at this site.

The history

Aéroports de Paris (ADP) manages all airports and airfields dedicated to civil air navigation within 50 km around Paris, including Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly (49 and 24 million passengers respectively in 2003). As a state-owned company created in 1945, ADP is the head office of 91 offices nationally, and has always followed the evolutions of air transport, especially in terms of security. The head office is also the central hub for the Police AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), responsible for processing and management of criminal records.

Enforcing airport security is now becoming a priority in the field of air transport. It is also the essential step towards the recovery of growth in this market. New airport security regulations have been issued which are in force at both international level through ICAO (Appendix 17 revised in June 2002), and at European level through ECAC (new regulation on civil aviation security of January 2003).

These regulations are applicable to any airport, airline, or any company involved in air transport. They require, among others, the efficient access control to aircraft restricted areas, checking in particular the staff identity. Biometrics is definitely the most efficient solution, for security as well as for facilitation.

The existing solution needed to be enhanced in order to allow for more accurate and reliable access control based on biometric identification, and also to reduce the time taken by staff to access working zones.

Enforcing airport security is fast becoming a priority in the field of air transport. It is also the essential step towards the recovery of growth in this market. New airport security regulations have been issued which are in force at both international level through ICAO (Appendix 17 revised in June 2002), and at European level through ECAC (new regulation on civil aviation security of January 2003).

The goal

Sagem biometrics authentication system biometrically controls the identity of the airport staff and the access to highly secured areas (90 000 employees in Roissy and Orly). The selected technology relies on digital fingerprint (with detection of 'fake finger'), data encryption and contactless smartcards. With over 100 fixed and 15 mobile security checkpoints, along with 20 enrolment stations, this biometric system will be Europe's largest airport staff identity control system.

The main objective of installing the system was to dramatically enhance security levels, and effectively control and manage 90 000 employees.

The benefits

More accurate and reliable access control based on biometric identification and authentication, and also to reduce the time taken by staff to access working zones.

Full fake finger detection capabilities, to protect against even the most advanced attacks on the system.

In summary

The system was awarded through a tender process. Several expert organisations were involved in the specification, design and implementation of the system and all goals successfully achieved.

Fact file

Key service providers, products and solutions:

Prime contractor: Sagem, Francis Weiss, Sagem SA 0933 1 58 12 44 65.

Biometric products: Sagem Morpho range, distributed in southern Africa by Ideco Technologies, Gary Jones, 011 442 0064, [email protected]

Specialist in security information systems: Omnitech, Alexandre Vigier, 0933 1 56 20 63 14.

ADP (Aéroports de Paris - Paris Region Airports), M. Pierre Bourgin 0933 1 49 75 11 05, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

AI agents become ‘First Class Identities’
Access Control & Identity Management
AI agents are now approving transactions, accessing systems, triggering workflows, and making decisions autonomously. But uncontrolled AI agents are becoming one of the largest security gaps in modern enterprises.

Read more...
Balancing secure access control and fire safety
Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety
In modern building management, few topics create as much tension as the intersection between security access control and fire evacuation safety. Nichola Allen of G2 Fire sheds light on this delicate balance.

Read more...
Securing water infrastructure for industry and community
Access Control & Identity Management Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry)
The Badirammogo Water User Association needed a solution that could secure remote sites, reduce reliance on physical guards, and ensure uninterrupted service delivery while remaining aligned with its values and long-term strategy.

Read more...
Disconnect between confidence in identity security and operational reality
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
New FIDO Alliance and HID study reveals gap between identity security confidence and reality; 94% of enterprises claim they can revoke employee access within 24 hours, yet 35% experienced delays or failures in the past two years.

Read more...
Paxton Solo training available to security installers
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
Following the launch of Solo, Paxton’s brand-new access control system, the security manufacturer is rolling out dedicated Solo training sessions across South Africa to support security installers working with the system.

Read more...
Controlling access for people and vehicles
IDEMIA STid Security Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Asset Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
When it comes to access control, the security requirements of mines and the industrial sector are similar, requiring a layered approach that combines physical barriers, digital authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect personnel, assets, and operational continuity.

Read more...
Paxton launches new phone-based security system: Solo
Paxton News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Paxton has officially unveiled Solo, a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. As part of the launch, installers can claim a free Solo starter kit from Paxton, allowing them to trial the system and see how it can work for their business.

Read more...
Taking control of IAM in the AI era
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics
AI and Shadow AI are proliferating, creating a series of new risks for organisations. To gain control over who and what has access to corporate data, organisations need unified control over their entire environment.

Read more...
Impro announces Primo update
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
Impro Technologies recently held a launch event in which it introduced a series of new products, from new readers through to its updated Primo access management software.

Read more...
If you cannot prove identity, you cannot claim security
Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Cybersecurity planning for 2026 is a structural change in how attacks are executed and how trust is exploited, demanding that companies stop layering tools on top of infrastructure and instead prioritise intelligence and identity.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.