The global automated border control (ABC) market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 17.0% during the forecast period. The major factors contributing to the market growth include rising demand for automation across the ports and an increasing number of air travelers.  As per the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), in January 2019, Asia-Pacific carriers witnessed a significant rise in the demand for international passengers by 7.1% compared to January 2018. In January 2019, the international passenger traffic capacity in the region rose 5.1%, and load factor reached 81.7%, a rise of 1.5 percentage points than January 2018. This is led by the rising incomes and rising number of airport pairs. 

In January 2019, Asia-Pacific held the largest share of 34.5% in the total passenger air traffic in terms of revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), followed by Europe (26.7%) and North America (22.4%), respectively (IATA). As a result, there is a considerable rise in the number of electronic Machine-Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs) that contains biometric data which encourages advanced automation concepts and supports integrated secure processes at borders that are dependent on machine-assisted control. Owing to the rising international traveling and the continuous rise in the exchange of goods, it is required to increase throughput capacity for border control authorities, airlines, and airport operators. Advanced technologies can be utilized to increase security, however, also to increase convenience, including decreasing wait in line time at border control.

An ABC system can increase the travel flows management at the border by strengthening checks while quickening border crossing of regular travelers. This supports border guards to manage the increasing number of border crossings without affecting the security. International Air Transport Association (IATA), in cooperation with Airport Council International (ACI) and The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), has co-authored an “ABC Implementation Guide”, whose 3rd edition was released in November 2015. This guide aims for project managers in charge of executing ABC solutions at airports. Further, the increasing number of airports is expected to offer an opportunity for the growth of the market.

Market Segmentation

The global ABC market is segmented based on solution, component, and application. Based on type, the market is classified into ABC e-gates and ABC kiosks. Based on the component, the market is classified into hardware and software and services. Based on application, the market is classified into land ports, seaports, and airports. In 2019, Airports accounted for the largest share in the market owing to the rising automation in airports and the increasing number of international and domestic passengers. 

ABC e-gate solutions find its significant applications in airports

ABC e-gate solutions are being significantly adopted to verify the travellers’ identity who are crossing the borders. Biometric technologies have a significant impact on the improvement of security, effectiveness, and efficiency, without requiring continuous human intervention. Automated biometric recognition can enhance the processing throughout of the Border Crossing Points (BCP) while supporting the clearance procedures. To support the border passage, the e-Gate compares the travellers’ biometric samples that are stored into the electronic document with live acquisitions. Convenience, security and speed, and cost-efficiency are significantly required for border control authorities, which is leading to increasing demand for ABC systems to optimize border control resources with higher security.

Global ABC Market Share by Type, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook

Geographically, Asia-Pacific is estimated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to the rising number of airports and seaports in the region. In 2013, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was introduced which is a major port infrastructure project in the country. Under the initiative, China is spending close to $1 trillion to connect trade hubs and ports from the Pacific to Northern Europe. With the growing exports to other countries, China is significantly focusing on improving port infrastructure. This is expected to offer an opportunity for the adoption of automated border control for access security with fraud detection. 

Global ABC Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Market Players Outlook 

The major players operating in the market include Atos SE, Assa Abloy AB, Gunnebo AB, NEC Corp., and Leidos, Inc. The market players are constantly focusing on gaining significant market share by adopting mergers & acquisitions, geographical expansion, product launch, and partnerships and collaborations. For instance, in July 2019, Gunnebo acquired Cominfo a.s., a Czech company, which is associated with the profitable growth strategy of the company and will further reinforce the market position for its Business Unit Entrance Control. Cominfo a.s. is a better strategic fit for its Entrance Control business since it will expand both its product offering and geographical footprint. Additionally, there are synergies inside production and R&D. On an annual basis, the acquisition will add nearly 3% to the total Group sales and 13% of sales to Business Unit Entrance Control.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global ABC market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.