Under the radar story from the IATA’s Airlines magazine last month:
IATA published the results of several digital identity Proofs of Concept (PoCs) completed with the support of airlines, airports, technology providers, and governments across Europe and Asia Pacific.
…The PoCs proved that
- wallet-based digital identity solutions work in live airline environments;
- digital identity data can be securely shared ahead of travel, on a need-to-know basis, enabling pre-travel checks and reducing repeated document handling;
- biometric verification can replace manual paper document checks at airport touchpoints, allowing passengers to move through checkpoints securely and seamlessly;
- a single digital identity can be reused across the journey, enabling a seamless, contactless tap-and-go experience; and
- interoperability can be achieved across borders, enabling systems operated by airlines, airports and governments to work seamlessly together.
In other words, show up without a passport and you’re on your way.
The trials took place with these airlines and airports:
- Airlines: British Airways, Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand, IndiGo
- Airports: LHR, HKG, HND, AKL, BLR
I’ve been using Digital ID for American passport holders inside Apple Wallet for the last few months now. Domestic flights only, and the implementation isn’t quite right: you need to look down at your phone for Face ID, but you’re asked to do that while the TSA screen is trying to take a photo of you.
It certainly beats taking your passport out of a bag.