In a groundbreaking pilot project
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has successfully demonstrated that the global aviation industry can deliver a fully digital travel experience, marking a significant milestone in modernising air travel.
The achievement came through a proof-of-concept (PoC) involving two passengers who used digital wallets and travel credentials on a round-trip flight between Hong Kong and Tokyo.
IATA partnered with a diverse group of industry players, including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Narita International Airport (NRT), and technology firms such as Branchspace, Facephi, NEC, Neoke, Northern Block, and SICPA, to carry out the PoC on October 21-22, 2024.
The trial was conducted in a live airport environment, building on an initial test conducted in 2023. The demonstration saw the seamless integration of digital identities and biometric technologies to enhance the passenger experience.
During the trial, the two passengers used digital wallets containing various travel credentials, including their digital passports, company IDs, and frequent flyer membership details. These digital assets enabled them to receive personalised offers, book flights, obtain visas, check-in, and receive boarding passes without presenting physical documents at various journey stages.
Biometric identification
One of the pilot’s most innovative aspects was biometric identification. This allowed passengers to pass through critical airport checkpoints—such as baggage drop, security, immigration, and boarding—using facial recognition without repeatedly showing travel documents. This streamlined process significantly reduced the time and complexity involved in traditional airport procedures.
The successful demonstration involved using seven verifiable credentials (VCs), including a digital copy of the ePassport, live biometric image, visa copy, company ID, frequent flyer membership, flight order, and boarding pass. These credentials were stored securely in two digital wallets and verified through a trusted registry to confirm the legitimacy of the issuing entities.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security, said: “A seamless, fully digital travel experience powered by digital identity and biometrics has moved from theory to proven reality. The challenge is to make this more efficient travel experience available to all travellers.
“With the One ID standards already in place and the expansion of Modern Airline Retailing to support digital identity with the highest levels of data privacy, there is good reason for optimism. Government efforts to adopt digital travel credentials based on ICAO standards are accelerating. Europe is already planning to issue digital identity wallets to citizens by 2027.”
The PoC demonstrated that IATA’s vision for Modern Airline Retailing, coupled with its One ID standards, can significantly improve the customer experience across all stages of travel—from booking to boarding.
Digital credentials
With digital credentials securely stored in a wallet, passengers can share their biometrics at each airport checkpoint, eliminating the need for paper-based documents. At the same time, the industry’s traditional manual processes remain available for those who prefer them or in case of system failures.
The pilot project highlighted several essential elements for a fully digital air travel experience. One of the most critical was the verification of verifiable credentials. These digital documents, including biometric data and visas, were tested live. The interoperability of various digital wallets, credential issuers, and verifiers was also confirmed.
The PoC demonstrated that these technologies work seamlessly across multiple jurisdictions and travel stages, with smooth integration into biometric systems at Hong Kong and Tokyo airports.
Another important step forward was the successful testing of a Trusted Issuer Registry. This system ensures that the credentials passengers present are issued by verified, trusted entities, laying the groundwork for the widespread adoption of digital travel systems. For future success, the industry aims to create an open ecosystem that allows public and private sector entities to issue and verify digital credentials.
The trial was conducted as part of IATA’s Data and Technology Hub. This initiative brings together partners across the aviation value chain to develop and test innovative solutions for the industry’s challenges. The ultimate goal is to harness digital technology to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and provide better experiences for travellers as the aviation sector transitions to a more digital future.
With governments increasingly adopting digital travel credentials and successfully demonstrating these technologies, the aviation industry is poised for a significant shift towards fully digital air travel soon.
Featured image: With digital credentials securely stored in a wallet, passengers can share their biometrics at each airport checkpoint, eliminating the need for paper-based documents. Credit: Oleksandr P
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