Aviation Industry Advances with Digital Identity for Smoother Travel
The International Air Transport Association, in collaboration with technology partners and several airlines and airports across the Asia-Pacific region, has successfully conducted proof-of-concept trials for contactless, biometric-based digital identity systems. These trials aim to replace traditional paper documentation for international air travel, paving the way for more efficient, secure, and seamless passenger journeys in the future.
Successful Trials Across Multiple Airlines
The trials involved Japan Airlines operating from Tokyo-Haneda to Hong Kong and onward to a European airport, Air New Zealand on routes between Auckland and Hong Kong, and Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo from Bengaluru Airport. During these demonstrations, passengers used digital identity stored in various mobile wallets, with biometric verification replacing manual paper document checks at airport touchpoints. This enabled a seamless, contactless "tap-and-go" experience, as highlighted by IATA.
Digital wallets utilized in the trials included Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Air New Zealand Wallet, India’s Digi Yatra, Face Express by NEC, open-source Multipaz, and SITA Wallet. The Japan Airlines trial specifically tested the technology on connecting international journeys with transfers, allowing passengers to share identity data in advance via digital wallets. This facilitated biometric processing at departure and transfer points, with an interoperable tap-and-go solution successfully implemented at the European airport, demonstrating cross-provider interoperability.
Interoperability and Security Enhancements
The IndiGo trial focused on demonstrating interoperability across different providers, including India’s Digi Yatra national identity scheme and international wallets. Meanwhile, the Air New Zealand trial involved an airline-managed identity, where passengers used the airline’s digital wallet to share identity data during booking and check-in. This enabled remote biometric enrolment and contactless processing at airport and customs touchpoints, enhancing both convenience and security.
Jeremy O’Brien, chief customer and digital officer at Air New Zealand, emphasized the benefits: "Our ambition is to make travel easier from start to finish. That means fewer document checks, less time queueing, and a smoother experience overall. The trial shows how digital identity could help create a more seamless journey, while also improving security through encrypted data and customer-controlled information sharing." Air New Zealand is now planning a broader pilot across different airports, with Australia identified as a key focus for the next phase of implementation.
Future Challenges and Government Involvement
During all three proof-of-concept trials, passengers were able to securely share identity data in advance, facilitating their travel and benefiting from seamless journeys without frequent passport checks. Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, stated: "We have proven that digital identity for international travel works securely and efficiently," highlighting the potential for improved security, smoother journeys, and greater efficiency.
However, considerable work remains to make contactless biometric travel a widespread reality. IATA stresses that coordinated efforts by governments worldwide are essential. Governments need to establish the legal, operational, and technical foundations to issue digital travel credentials—secure digital versions of passports—as part of national digital identity programs. They must also ensure that border, visa, and travel authorisation systems are ready to accept and verify these credentials issued by other states.
Walsh added: "They also need to work with the industry, other governments, and international organisations to ensure the interoperable use of digital travel credentials on a global scale." IATA notes that paper-based solutions will remain available in the future to ensure accessibility for all travellers, but secure digital versions of passports will make travel more secure and efficient by allowing checks to be completed earlier, reducing the need for document checks at airports and cutting queues.
Walsh concluded: "Industry collaboration has shown digital identity works in practice. The next step is for governments to put the frameworks in place to integrate digital identity into global travel processes." This advancement represents a significant step toward transforming the aviation industry, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience while maintaining high security standards.
