The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that Logan International Airport will become the first airport in the country to install the iA-thenticate platform produced by Imaging Automation. The system will be used as part of the security screening process for airport employees. The iA-thenticate platform performs multiple security checks within seconds to determine whether or not a document is authentic, if it is expired, if it has been tampered with, or if the photo or text match any government watch lists of criminals or terrorists.

"Authenticating the documents people present prior to badges being issued will introduce an additional level of security in the hiring process and essentially make the airport more secure," said Tom Kinton, Director of Aviation.

Anyone applying to work at Logan Airport will be asked to present two valid forms of identification (driver's license, passport, visa or green card) which will be authenticated by the new system. The screening will be conducted by the airport Aerodrome Office in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police.

The Imaging Automation technology is used by many countries around the world for border security. Massport selected the Imaging Automation technology after a five month test period at Logan. During the test period, the system consistently detected falsified documents that were not detectable with visual inspection without adding any delay.

Massport has participated in the testing of other new technologies, including facial recognition and handheld computers capable of running criminal background checks. Massport is providing technology companies with a live test site for their products at Logan. The ultimate goal is to help Massport and the TSA identify which security technologies show potential in a real airport environment.

The iA-thenticate platform is the first technology system tested at Logan that Massport has purchased.

Massport is also leading the nation in the development of a 100% in-line baggage screening system. The TSA approved Massport's plan for Logan in June and construction began in July and is moving forward on a aggressive seven day a week schedule to meet the December 31st federal baggage screening deadline.

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