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Nick Careen is Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Imagine a world where travel is seamless and personalized — no more fumbling to enter credit card and passport details manually during booking and no more scrambling to produce boarding passes, visa documents, or passports at every airport checkpoint. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its partners have successfully demonstrated that the industry is ready to deliver a fully digital air travel experience.
This was achieved in a proof-of-concept (PoC) involving two passengers on a round-trip journey between Hong Kong and Tokyo. The PoC demonstrated how digital wallets and biometric identification can revolutionize every aspect of air travel. From booking a ticket to clearing immigration, the two passengers successfully navigated the entire journey using only digital credentials securely stored in their wallets. The implications are transformative, offering benefits not just to passengers but to airlines, airports, and governments worldwide.
The concept behind the digitalization of the passenger experience is as straightforward as it is revolutionary: integrating digital identity and biometrics to replace traditional, paper-based processes. Travelers no longer need to repeatedly present their passports, boarding passes, or other documentation. Instead, their verified digital credentials, stored in secure digital wallets, provide the necessary information at each step.
In the trial, the passengers’ digital wallets included a range of credentials, such as their digital passports, frequent flyer memberships, and even employee IDs. These were shared only as needed, allowing them to pass seamlessly through airport checkpoints such as security and immigration. With a simple biometric scan, they could verify their identity, receive boarding passes, and board flights — all without handling physical documents.
This isn’t just convenient. A seamless travel experience powered by digital identity offers significant enhancements in security and personalization. By using encrypted credentials and a trust registry to verify issuers, the system ensures that only authorized entities have access to a traveler’s data. Moreover, travelers retain control over their information, sharing only what’s necessary for each interaction.
What makes this future journey possible? At its core are IATA’s One ID Contactless Travel and Digitization of Admissibility standards and Modern Airline Retailing principles. These frameworks provide the foundation for integrating digital credentials and biometric systems across the global travel ecosystem. They also ensure compatibility with existing processes, meaning passengers who prefer traditional methods can still opt for manual document checks.
The proof-of-concept validated several key components.
The trial tested seven different VCs (ePassport copy, live biometric image, visa copy, employee ID, frequent flyer membership, order, and boarding pass). These credentials enabled paperless, efficient processing at every stage of the journey.
One of the most important outcomes was the successful integration of multiple digital wallets and systems across different jurisdictions. This demonstrates that the technology can adapt to varying regulatory environments and operational standards.
A secure system verified that all credentials were issued by authorized entities. This ensures trustworthiness across both public and private sector issuers, paving the way for an open ecosystem that benefits everyone.
These achievements highlight the readiness of the technology to support a global shift towards fully digital travel for those that want it. They also underscore the importance of collaboration across the industry and governments to create a unified framework.
This PoC is not just a milestone for the industry but a glimpse into the future of air travel. It aligns with broader global trends, such as Europe’s plan to issue digital identity wallets to citizens and residents by 2027. As governments and industries converge on standards for digital credentials, the dream of a fully digital travel experience is becoming increasingly tangible.
For airlines and airports, the benefits are clear. Digital travel processes and moving more process off airport can reduce operational bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and enhance security. For passengers, the shift promises a more personalized and stress-free experience, transforming air travel into an even more enjoyable journey.
However, as we move closer to this reality, certain challenges must be addressed. Interoperability across jurisdictions remains a key hurdle. While the trial successfully demonstrated compatibility between systems in Hong Kong and Tokyo, replicating this success on a global scale will require extensive collaboration and alignment. Data privacy is another critical consideration. Ensuring that travelers’ information is protected and used responsibly will be essential to building trust and encouraging adoption.
The transition to digital travel is more than just a technological upgrade — it’s a paradigm shift. By leveraging digital identity and biometrics, the aviation industry can deliver a level of efficiency and personalization that was previously unimaginable. But the impact goes beyond airports. A seamless travel experience could strengthen global connectivity, boost tourism, and support economic growth.
Moreover, this innovation reflects a broader trend of digital transformation across industries. As digital wallets and verifiable credentials become more common, they will redefine how we interact with everything from healthcare to financial services. Aviation needs to get on board with this new technology, digital identity isn’t just a convenience but a cornerstone of modern life.
The journey to a fully digital travel experience has begun, and its potential is vast. While challenges remain, the progress demonstrated through the PoC shows that the future is within reach. With continued collaboration between airlines, governments, and technology providers, the dream of paperless, hassle-free air travel could soon become a reality for millions of passengers worldwide.
As for travelers, they should embrace this change. After all, who wouldn’t want to trade long lines and cumbersome paperwork for a smooth, personalized journey? The passport to the future is here — and it’s digital.
Note
IATA partnered with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Narita International Airport, Branchspace, Facephi, NEC, Neoke, Northern Block and SICPA for the travel which took place on 21 and 22 October 2024. The airport elements of this PoC were conducted in a live environment, building on an initial PoC carried out in a test environment in 2023.
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