Biometrics, Digital IDs Enhance Seamless Digital Travel Experience

Published Date : 31/10/2024 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has successfully completed a biometrics proof-of-concept, demonstrating the potential for a fully digital travel experience. Partnerships with major airlines and airports have tested various verifiable credentials and biometric authentication methods to streamline travel processes. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of a biometrics proof-of-concept (PoC).

This PoC involved two passengers using different digital wallets and travel credentials for a round-trip between Hong Kong and Tokyo.

The two-day trial involved partnerships with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Narita International Airport, Branchspace, Facephi, NEC, Neoke, Northern Block, and SICPA.

The airport elements were conducted in a live environment, building on a 2023 PoC carried out in a test environment.

Variety of Verifiable Credentials Put to Digital Wallet Test

The participating travelers’ digital wallets included a passport, company ID, and frequent flyer credentials.

These credentials allowed access to personalized offers, flight booking, visa applications, travel documentation, online check-in, and digital boarding passes.

The “successful journey” integrated seven verifiable credentials ePassport copy, live biometric image, visa copy, company ID, frequent flyer membership, order, and boarding pass.

IATA and its partners ran the standard airport objective for biometrics firms seamless progression through airport processes and checkpoints, including bag drop, security, immigration, and boarding, using biometric authentication, eliminating the need to show travel documents.

A New Era of Travel Seamless and Digital

“A seamless fully digital travel experience powered by digital identity and biometrics has moved from theory to proven reality,” says Nick Careen, Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security for IATA.

“The challenge now is to make this more efficient travel experience available to all travelers.

There is good reason for optimism.

With One ID standards already in place, the industry could be ready for this in the very near future.”

IATA Declares Industry Standards Fit for Purpose

Careen notes the EUDI Wallet scheme as evidence that government efforts to adopt digital travel credentials based on ICAO standards are gaining momentum.

Demonstrated interoperability at existing biometric systems at both Hong Kong and Tokyo’s Narita airports shows the necessary flexibility.

A Trusted Issuer Registry was also successfully tested.

According to IATA’s guide to digital identity and biometrics, global passenger numbers are expected to double by 2041, from approximately four billion in 2019 to eight billion in 2040, growing at an average annual rate of 3.3 percent.

Biometrics will be crucial in accommodating these numbers.

The industry needs to implement automation, digitalization, and efficient seamless processes to manage this growth.

One ID Initiative Pre-Travel Preparation and Contactless Travel

The One ID initiative is part of this vision.

IATA has expanded its digital ID for passenger processing from strictly airport-based biometrics to pre-travel preparation at home.

“Through the contactless travel and digitalization of admissibility, passengers can arrive at the airport ready to fly, and then move in a contactless manner through all airport touchpoints,” IATA says.

The concept also factors in the principles of maximum user control over data and sharing minimum necessary data for transactions.

Biometrics are opt-in and can be opted out of at any time.

Benefits for passengers include reduced queues and faster processing at airport touchpoints.

One ID A System of Agreed Controls

One ID is designed as a system of agreed controls that govern the interactions between all participants, where each stakeholder knows their role, rights, and obligations.

This system best accommodates diverse integrations, user privacy, and the kind of digitized throughput that will be necessary if the airports of the future are to avoid terminal gridlock.

Conclusion

With the successful PoC and the advancing One ID initiative, the future of travel is looking more seamless and efficient.

The integration of biometrics and digital identities is poised to transform the travel experience, making it faster, more secure, and more convenient for passengers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the One ID initiative by IATA?

A: The One ID initiative by IATA is a vision for a seamless and contactless travel experience using digital identity and biometrics. It aims to streamline processes at airports, reducing queues and enhancing security.

Q: What were the results of the biometrics proof-of-concept (PoC) conducted by IATA?

A: The PoC, which involved two passengers using digital wallets and travel credentials for a round-trip between Hong Kong and Tokyo, successfully demonstrated seamless progression through airport processes and checkpoints using biometric authentication.

Q: How will biometrics help manage the expected increase in global passenger numbers?

A: Biometrics will play a crucial role in managing the expected doubling of global passenger numbers by 2041. By automating and digitalizing processes, biometrics will help reduce congestion and enhance security at airports.

Q: What is the EUDI Wallet scheme and how is it related to digital travel credentials?

A: The EUDI Wallet scheme is a European initiative for digital identity based on ICAO standards. It demonstrates that government efforts to adopt digital travel credentials are gaining momentum, supporting the One ID initiative.

Q: Can passengers opt out of using biometric authentication at airports?

A: Yes, biometric authentication is opt-in, and passengers can choose to opt out at any time. The system is designed to provide maximum user control over their data and privacy. 

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