Biometrics and Digital ID make ‘fully digital travel experiences’ a reality: IATA

International Air Transport Association (IATA) wins after a biometric proof-of-concept (PoC), which, according to the release, involved “two passengers using different digital wallets and traveler data during a round-trip between Hong Kong and Tokyo.”

The two-day PoC included collaboration with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Narita International Airport, Branch, Facephi, NEC, NeokeeNorth Block i SICPA. The airport elements were conducted in a live environment, based on the 2023 PoC conducted in a test environment.

A variety of verifiable credentials put to the digital wallet test

Appropriate travelers participating in the program digital wallets included a passport, corporate identity card and frequent flyer credentials to enable access to personalized offers, flight bookings, visa applications, travel documents, online check-in and digital boarding passes. The “successful trip” included seven verifiable credentials: a copy of the e-passport, a current biometric image, a copy of the visa, company ID, loyalty program membership, order and boarding pass.

IATA and its partners then delivered on a standard airport goal for biometric companies: to seamlessly navigate airport processes and checkpoints – including bag drop, security screening, immigration and boarding – using biometric authenticationeliminating the need to present travel documents.

“Seamless, fully digital travel powered by digital identity and biometrics have moved from theory to proven reality,” says Nick Careen, senior vice president of operations, safety and security at IATA. “The challenge now is to make a more efficient travel experience available to all travelers. There are good reasons for optimism. With One ID standards already in place,” he says, “the industry may be ready for this in the near future.”

IATA declares industry standards supporting digital travel will be ‘fit for purpose’

Careen notices EUDI wallet program as evidence that governments’ efforts to adopt digital traveler credentials based on ICAO standards are gaining momentum. The demonstrated interoperability of existing biometric systems at Narita Airports in Hong Kong and Tokyo demonstrates the necessary flexibility. The Register of Trusted Issuers was also successfully tested.

According to the IATA guide on digital identity and biometricsGlobal passenger numbers are expected to double by 2041, from around four billion in 2019 to eight billion in 2040, growing at an average annual rate of 3.3%. The key to accounting for these numbers will be biometrics. According to IATA, the industry “must implement automation, digitalization and efficient, seamless processes to manage this growth.”

The One ID initiative is part of this vision. IATA has expanded its digital ID for passenger service from airport-specific biometrics to pre-travel preparation at home. “Thanks to contactless travel and digitization of admissibility, passengers can arrive at the airport ready to fly and then move contactlessly through all airport touchpoints,” IATA says.

The concept also takes into account the principles of maximum user control over data and sharing the minimum amount of data necessary for a transaction. Biometric data is voluntary and you can opt out at any time. Benefits for passengers include shorter queues and faster service at airport touchpoints.

According to IATA, the “single ID” is “designed as a system of agreed controls governing interactions between all participants, in which each stakeholder knows his or her role, rights and responsibilities.” In this sense, it best takes into account the variety of integrations, user privacy and the type of digital bandwidth that will be necessary if airports of the future are intended to avoid terminal congestion.

Article topics

biometrics | digital identity | digital travel credentials | digital wallets | FacePhi | International Air Transport Association | interoperability | NEC | Neokee | One piece of evidence | passenger service | verifiable references