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In a recent proof of concept (PoC), two travelers successfully navigated a fully digital travel experience using digital wallets. These wallets contained their digital passport, company ID, and frequent flyer credentials, enabling them to receive personalized offers, book flights, obtain visas, check travel documentation, check-in, and receive boarding passes. The process was facilitated by biometric identification, allowing the travelers to manage airport procedures without repeatedly presenting physical documents.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security stated: “A seamless fully digital travel experience powered by digital identity and biometrics has moved from theory to proven reality. 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 and the expansion of Modern Airline Retailing to support digital identity with the highest levels of data privacy and protection, the industry could be ready for this in the very near future. Government efforts to adopt digital travel credentials based on ICAO standards are picking up pace. Europe is already planning to issue Digital Identity Wallets to citizens and residents by 2027.”
This pilot marks a significant step towards offering passengers more personalized, secure journeys through digital identity while maintaining traditional processing options for those who prefer them or as backups. The PoC demonstrated that IATA’s Modern Airline Retailing vision can enhance customer experiences harmoniously with current airline and airport processes.
