In a significant move set to revolutionize the aviation industry, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is spearheading efforts to eliminate traditional boarding passes and check-in procedures. This initiative aims to introduce a “digital travel credential,” allowing passengers to store passport information and receive a dynamic “journey pass” directly on their mobile devices.
Under the proposed system, travelers would upload their passport details to their smartphones, enabling seamless navigation through airports using facial recognition technology. This biometric verification would notify airlines of passenger arrivals, streamlining the boarding process. Depending on luggage type, passengers would proceed through security either at the bag drop for checked baggage or at pre-security gates for carry-on items.
Valerie Viale, Director of Product Management at Amadeus, highlighted the transformative nature of this change, noting that many airline systems have remained unchanged for over half a century. The last major upgrade occurred with the adoption of e-ticketing in the early 2000s. Implementing the new digital system will necessitate substantial infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of facial recognition technology and systems capable of reading passports from mobile devices.
To address privacy concerns, the system is designed to automatically delete passenger details within 15 seconds of contact with touchpoints, such as security gates. Additionally, passengers will receive real-time updates on flight changes and have the option to share their location with airlines, facilitating directions to departure gates and information about lounge access. The technology also enables in-flight cabin upgrades and alerts airline partners, including car hire companies, about passenger delays.
Airlines such as British Airways, Finnair, and Saudia have expressed interest in adopting this innovation. In India, the Digi Yatra initiative, launched in December 2022, is already utilizing facial recognition technology to verify passenger identities at various checkpoints, aiming to provide a paperless travel experience.
While the transition to a fully digital system presents challenges, including the need for global infrastructure upgrades and addressing privacy concerns, the move promises to enhance efficiency, interoperability, and traveler convenience worldwide. The aviation industry stands on the cusp of its most significant transformation in decades, aligning itself with contemporary digital standards.
