12 Dragonfly POS devices, self-developed biometric technology from Alipay, started operating at the airport on 2 April after the software was previously introduced at more than 300 cities in mainland China. Hong Kong airport

The Duty Zero by CDF liquor and tobacco stores are the first in Hong Kong to feature the software, which is designed to enhance the consumer shopping experience for Chinese consumers. The Dragonfly POS devices are placed next to the checkout, customers input their phone number and face towards the camera; the software then completes the transaction in just a few seconds.

Smart airport

Alipay Hong Kong General Manager Lee Wing Si said the payment provider had been “working together with the Hong Kong Airport Authority to build a smart airport together”.

Hong Kong Airport Authority General Manager of Retail Experience Kitty Lo added: “To elevate our passenger’s airport experience, we have implemented different innovative technologies to develop HKIA into a smart airport. We have launched the “HKG My Flight” app, smart luggage tag “MyTAG” and the e-Security Gates using biometric technology, to name a few.

“Regarding the retail aspect, our airport has also launched a one-stop online shopping platform, online shopping enquiry and itinerary planning service, and launching of e-coupons. We are also thrilled to be debuting the facial recognition payment in the HKIA. In the future, we will continue to leverage different innovative technologies to provide passengers with a hassle-free shopping journey at the airport.”

Discussing the retailer’s efforts to make HKIA a smart airport, Duty Zero by CDF General Manager Devin Pun said: “Duty Zero by CDF has been committed to bring visitors at the HKIA an advanced shopping experience since launch. To catch up with the high-tech era, we are also ready to be vanguard.

“Besides this partnership with Alipay, we have launched a pre-order mobile app, which makes us the first airport duty free store in Asia to be able to pre-order hard liquor through the app. In the future, we will also actively explore more possibilities to become a pioneer in innovation and technology in the retail industry.” Hong Kong airport