Digital identity is transforming the airport passenger experience by providing a seamless, secure, and efficient travel process. On offer by digital IDs is a more secure and seamless passenger experience at airports by enabling faster, easier, and more personalised travel. They streamline processes like check-in, baggage drop, and security screening through contactless methods and biometric verification.
Recently the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global body that represents, leads and serves the airline industry, gave support to digital identity calling for the rapid adoption of digital identity technologies to enhance aviation security and operational efficiency. It stressed further that benefits that will accrue to aviation are a reduction of documentation fraud, global trust, and operational efficiency. Organisations like IATA are developing standards to ensure interoperability and scalability of digital identity systems.
Airport security benefits as digital ID verification expedites check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and boarding, reducing wait times and stress levels for travellers. Biometric technologies like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning ensure accurate identity verification, reducing the risk of identity theft and improving airport security. Digital identities enable better tracking of baggage from check-in to pickup, reducing the risk of mishandling.
Digital IDs are often stored in mobile wallets, providing easy access and secure storage of travel documents and credentials. Digital IDs, like mobile driver’s licenses, are less prone to counterfeiting and fraud than physical documents. They prioritise passenger privacy, sharing only the necessary information for verification and ensuring data security.
Digital IDs enable passengers to pass through checkpoints without showing physical documents, making the travel experience more convenient and touchless. They allow for streamlined check-in and baggage drop using facial recognition, reducing the need for physical documents and potential errors. By reducing congestion and wait times, digital identity solutions enhance the overall passenger experience, making air travel more enjoyable and efficient.
Digital IDs enable airports to recognise passengers’ needs and preferences, offering personalised services like preferred lounges or special assistance. Passengers can use their smartphones for identity verification and mobile boarding passes, reducing contact with airport staff and surfaces. They can help passengers make smooth connections by notifying airport staff of their arrival times, enabling fast-tracking if necessary.
Some of the technologies put to use in implementing digital IDs are Biometric Technologies utilising facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and palm vein scanning to verify passenger identities and enhance security. Passengers can use facial recognition or other biometric data to verify their identity at various checkpoints.
Digital ID Management Services are services that enable passengers to create and manage their digital IDs, streamlining the travel process and reducing the need for physical documents.
Modular Identity Verification approach allows for flexible and scalable identity verification solutions, tailored to specific airport and airline needs.
An online check of places where this technology has been tested showed an American airline offering a seamless travel experience using biometric technology, allowing passengers to verify their identity and complete all checkpoints without showing physical documents.
One of the airline alliances has a biometric hub initiative that enables passengers to use their digital ID for biometric access at multiple touchpoints, including boarding gates for connecting flights.
In another, an airport and an airline set up a biometric enabled airport experience. This trial used biometric facial scanners to check bags, pass through security, and board flights without showing a boarding pass or photo ID.
The enthusiasm about this project is, in the words of Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president, operations, safety and security: “Global cooperation keeps flying secure. Adopting Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers standards is a natural next step in reinforcing security, trust, and efficiency.” Stating further, he said, “Every aviation stakeholder wants flying to be even more secure — which crosses geopolitical divides. The technology is ready and proven. We now need to take the momentum of this meeting and work towards obtaining a recommendation at the upcoming ICAO assembly later this year.”
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