Idemia reacts to termination of contract with Airports Company South Africa

Following yesterday’s news of the cancellation of Idemia’s biometrics contract with the South African Airport Authority, the French company has issued a response.

In an email addressed to Biometric updateIdemia said it was “approaching the completion of Phase 1 of the project when it received ACSA’s decision to terminate the contract to deploy the next-generation biometric solution for passenger facilitation at South African airports.” The statement underscores Idemia’s previous comments, which noted that no part of the project had yet been completed, with the company maintaining a delivery date of “late 2024.”

Idemia calls the termination “regrettable” at this stage, but says it understands and respects ACSA’s decision. However, it does not appear content to let this decision be the final word on a partnership. “We look forward to the opportunity for ACSA to procure this solution again in the future,” the company says, “to ensure that South Africans and international travellers visiting South Africa benefit from a best-in-class solution that enhances security and improves the overall customer experience.”

Such language implies that, even if the initial contract may have been torn up for certain inadequacies, the path to a new agreement between Idemia and ACSA could still be open.

At the same time, Idemia’s email highlights its long-standing presence in South Africa and the African continent. “Our commitment to the continent remains strong as we continue to deliver innovative solutions that enhance security and improve the customer experience,” it says. “With operations in over 180 countries, we remain committed to working with ACSA and other stakeholders to advance technology solutions that ensure the safety and efficiency of the travel and transportation sector.”

Idemia’s customer network is global and includes major government agencies such as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which recently awarded the company a sole-source contract.

Article topics

airports | Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). | biometrics | border security | IDEMIA | South Africa