Increasing numbers of Bermuda-based travellers are lining-up for the chance to avoid long queues at the airport, and clearing Immigration Control in less than a minute, according to Bermuda Government Computer Services Manager Michael Oatley.

Mr. Oatley was commenting on the popularity of FastGate, IBM's high-tech immigration clearance system, currently being tested at the Bermuda airport.

Introduced a couple of months ago for the use of 200 frequent flyers who volunteered for the pilot project, the number of passengers in the programme has steadily increased. Mr. Oatley told The Royal Gazette yesterday, 500 flyers are now using the system and: "the number of applications for FastGate goes up every day.'' Bermuda Airport Operations General Manager Jack Gordon, echoed Mr. Oatley's comments saying the computer controlled check-point is, "functioning well and is highly effective.'' Bermuda was selected by technology giant IBM as a test site for the FastGate which, the company claims, will eventually revolutionise international air travel.

"It's hard to say if FastGate will be truly worldwide at this point,'' said Mr. Oatley. "It is a very good system and seems to be working as well as IBM hoped.

"Of course you need to realise there may be airports around the world that do not adopt the system for one reason or another. Those reasons may have nothing to do with whether FastGate is a good system or not.

The automated check-point uses biometrics and ATM-type technology to identify travellers, by "reading'' passengers' finger prints and hand geometry as well as processing personal and passport information.

Travellers using FastGate place their hand on the machine and insert a card.

While waiting for the machine to verify their details, passengers also type in answers to standard questions such as: "have you anything to declare?'' Once the check is completed flyers are given a receipt to present to Immigration Officers and those experiencing difficulties are referred to authorities by the machine.

Having cleared Immigration through FastGate, which can process a passenger in 15 seconds, flyers are processed through Customs in the normal manner.

FastGate was opened in May to an initial test group of 200, and IBM plan to gradually broaden the test-group to include all passengers.

IBM have been in talks with airport authorities in the United States, Britain, Germany and Holland about installing the system, but Bermuda is FastGate's first testing ground.

There are currently three electronic gates at Immigration's re-vamped airport reception area for use by card holders. Information about the FastGate Project can be obtained from local travel agents.