BigBearAI Deploys Enhanced Passenger Processing at Nashville Airport

BigBear.ai’s Enhanced Passenger Processing Deployment at Nashville International Airport: A Comprehensive Analysis of Biometric Innovation in Aviation Security

The deployment of BigBear.ai’s Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system at Nashville International Airport (BNA) marks a pivotal advancement in the use of biometric and artificial intelligence technologies within the U.S. aviation sector. As airports globally grapple with rising passenger volumes and heightened security demands, solutions like EPP are becoming essential for streamlining operations while maintaining rigorous safety standards. This initiative places Nashville among a select group of major U.S. airports embracing next-generation, contactless passenger processing, reflecting a broader industry trend toward digital transformation in travel security.

The significance of this deployment extends beyond operational efficiency. By leveraging facial recognition and advanced AI, EPP systems are reshaping the traveler experience, reducing wait times, and allowing border control officers to focus on higher-risk interactions. The partnership between BigBear.ai, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) highlights the collaborative approach necessary for modernizing critical infrastructure. As the aviation industry anticipates continued growth, the Nashville deployment offers insights into the future of secure, efficient border management.

This article explores the technology, market context, implementation details, and broader implications of BigBear.ai’s EPP system at Nashville International Airport, offering a fact-based, neutral analysis of its impact on the aviation security landscape.

BigBear.ai Corporate Background and Technology Foundation

BigBear.ai Holdings Inc., listed on the NYSE as BBAI, is recognized for providing mission-ready artificial intelligence solutions tailored to national security, defense, and critical infrastructure applications. The company’s expertise lies in AI-powered decision intelligence, with a focus on biometric identification and threat detection. Recent financial reports show BigBear.ai generated $158.24 million in revenue in 2024, reflecting modest growth amid the challenges of the government contracting sector. As of June 2025, the company reported a cash balance of $390.8 million, positioning it for future investments and expansion.

A major milestone in BigBear.ai’s evolution was the acquisition of Pangiam in February 2024. This all-stock transaction combined BigBear.ai’s AI and computer vision capabilities with Pangiam’s established biometric and facial recognition technologies. The merger enhanced BigBear.ai’s portfolio, particularly its veriScan platform, which now serves as the backbone of EPP systems deployed in several airports.

Leadership at BigBear.ai is a key differentiator. CEO Kevin McAleenan, former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Commissioner of CBP, brings deep operational knowledge and insight into government security requirements. His experience shapes the company’s approach to developing solutions that meet the stringent demands of federal agencies and critical infrastructure operators, positioning BigBear.ai to capitalize on significant government investments in security technology.

Technology Architecture of Enhanced Passenger Processing

The Enhanced Passenger Processing system integrates biometric technology, artificial intelligence, and customs infrastructure to automate and accelerate the international arrivals process for U.S. citizens. Utilizing BigBear.ai’s veriScan facial recognition, EPP captures live facial images and compares them against Department of Homeland Security databases. This enables eligible travelers to bypass traditional passport checks and expedites their entry into the country.

Technically, the EPP system photographs travelers in the pre-primary queue using auto-capture technology. The system matches these images with DHS records, performing biometric confirmation, eligibility verification, and enforcement screening before travelers reach a CBP officer. This allows officers to focus on higher-value interactions and risk assessment, while routine processing is handled automatically.

VeriScan’s platform supports both one-to-many and one-to-one facial matching, with features like mask detection, duplicate match detection, and data encryption for privacy protection. The system is designed for flexible deployment, supporting various mounting and connectivity options to fit different airport environments. At Nashville, this technology supports the International Arrivals Facility, where it has already demonstrated reductions in processing times and congestion during peak periods.

“The EPP system fundamentally transforms customs inspection by conducting biometric confirmation, eligibility verification, and enforcement screening before passengers reach a CBP officer.”

Nashville International Airport Implementation Context

Nashville International Airport’s selection for EPP deployment is rooted in its rapid growth and strategic importance. In fiscal year 2025, BNA served a record 24.7 million passengers, a 4.2% increase from the previous year. The airport’s operational scale has more than doubled over the past decade, with international routes expanding and new partnerships with carriers like Icelandair and Aer Lingus boosting international arrivals.

These operational pressures necessitate advanced processing technologies. On peak days, BNA has processed over 48,000 passengers through security checkpoints, underscoring the need for efficient arrivals management. The EPP system directly addresses these challenges by reducing CBP wait times and supporting the airport’s broader modernization strategy, which aims to accommodate up to 35 million annual passengers in the coming years.

Airport leadership, including President and CEO Doug Kreulen, has highlighted the importance of technology in maintaining Nashville’s reputation as a passenger-friendly airport. The EPP deployment is part of a wider effort to leverage digital solutions for improved efficiency and security, aligning with national trends in airport modernization.

Market Context and Industry Growth Dynamics

The global airport biometric market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by increasing passenger numbers and evolving security requirements. Estimates place the market at $2.5 billion in 2025, with projections of $8.2 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 15%. North America leads this sector, accounting for over 60% of the market share, thanks to early technology adoption and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Broader airport security spending is also on the rise. According to industry reports, airports and airlines are expected to invest nearly $46 billion in IT over the next two years, with cybersecurity and biometric systems among the top priorities. More than half of airports plan to introduce biometric systems for check-in and baggage drop by 2026, reflecting the growing importance of contactless and automated processing.

Within this context, BigBear.ai’s EPP system addresses both security and efficiency imperatives. The technology’s demonstrated ability to reduce processing times by up to 25% and overall duration by 74% supports its value proposition to airport operators facing operational and regulatory pressures.

Competitive Landscape, Regulatory, and Future Outlook

Financial Performance and Strategic Positioning

BigBear.ai’s financial results reflect both growth opportunities and sector challenges. While Q2 2025 revenue decreased by 18.38% year-over-year, the company’s strong cash reserves and improved debt-to-cash ratio provide resilience and flexibility. The Pangiam acquisition, despite resulting in an $85 million goodwill impairment due to stock price appreciation, is viewed by management as a strategic move that enhances the company’s long-term value and market reach.

BigBear.ai employs approximately 630 people, with a market capitalization of $1.91 billion. These metrics highlight the company’s specialized focus on high-value, mission-critical applications, and its ability to navigate the cyclical nature of government contracting and regulatory approval processes.

Strategic partnerships, such as the integration of Pangiam Threat Detection with Smiths Detection’s CT screening systems, further strengthen BigBear.ai’s market position. These collaborations enable interoperability with existing airport infrastructure and open new channels for technology adoption.

Regulatory Environment and Compliance

The EPP system operates within a complex regulatory framework led by CBP’s Airport Modernization initiative. This initiative emphasizes replacing manual inspection systems with technology-driven processes that enhance security and accelerate passenger clearance. EPP automates the Simplified Arrival process, ensuring that biometric confirmation and eligibility checks are completed before travelers reach CBP officers.

Compliance with international standards, such as those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is crucial for interoperability and global expansion. Privacy and data protection are also central concerns, with BigBear.ai’s veriScan platform incorporating encryption and secure transmission protocols to meet federal requirements and protect individual privacy.

As regulatory focus shifts increasingly toward cybersecurity and data protection, companies like BigBear.ai that can demonstrate robust security capabilities will be well-positioned to meet evolving compliance demands and capture new business opportunities.

“CBP’s Airport Modernization initiative recognizes that traditional manual systems cannot scale to meet growing passenger volumes and security standards, necessitating technology-driven solutions.”

Global Trends and Future Technology Development

Beyond the U.S., EPP technology has been implemented at CBP preclearance facilities such as Dublin Airport, illustrating its scalability and adaptability. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth market for biometric solutions, driven by rapid infrastructure development and increased adoption in countries like China and India.

Technological innovation remains a focus, with ongoing development in areas such as liveness detection, processing speed, and predictive analytics. BigBear.ai’s open-architecture approach allows for integration with existing airport systems and future upgrades, providing cost and operational advantages.

Contactless processing and touchless interaction, trends accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are now permanent features of the passenger experience. EPP and similar solutions are set to become standard in modern airport operations, with BigBear.ai’s mission-ready AI approach aligning with industry and regulatory priorities.

Conclusion

The deployment of BigBear.ai’s Enhanced Passenger Processing system at Nashville International Airport stands as a benchmark for the integration of advanced biometric technology into U.S. aviation security. By automating and accelerating the arrivals process, EPP demonstrates how AI-powered solutions can simultaneously enhance security and improve operational efficiency. The system’s success in reducing wait times and processing durations provides a compelling case for broader adoption across the industry.

As the global airport biometric market continues to grow, BigBear.ai’s strong financial position and strategic leadership position it as a key player in this evolving landscape. The collaborative model demonstrated at Nashville, combining technology providers, airport authorities, and federal agencies, will be essential for future modernization efforts. Looking ahead, the expansion of EPP and related technologies will play a critical role in shaping the future of secure, efficient international travel.

FAQ

What is the Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) system?
The EPP system is an AI-powered biometric solution that automates customs processing for eligible U.S. citizens by using facial recognition to verify identity and expedite entry at international airports.

How does EPP benefit passengers at Nashville International Airport?
EPP reduces wait times and congestion by automating identity verification, allowing travelers to bypass physical passport checks and streamlining the arrivals process.

What privacy measures are in place for biometric data?
BigBear.ai’s veriScan platform uses data encryption and secure transmission protocols to protect sensitive biometric information, complying with federal privacy and security standards.

Which other airports have implemented EPP technology?
EPP is deployed at several major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles International, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, and international preclearance facilities like Dublin Airport.

What is the growth outlook for the airport biometric market?
Industry analysts project the global airport biometric market will grow from $2.5 billion in 2025 to $8.2 billion by 2033, driven by increasing demand for contactless and secure processing solutions.

Sources:
Airport-Technology,
BigBear.ai Press Release