Future of Air Travel: The Rise of Biometrics and Digital Identity — Sanctifly – Header image

Future of Air Travel: The Rise of Biometrics and Digital Identity — Sanctifly

Written By Gagana Ravikumar
Discover the Future of Air Travel: IATA's Latest Survey Reveals a Surge in Demand for Seamless, Secure Journeys. Embracing Biometrics and Off-Airport Processes, the Path to Effortless Travel Takes Flight!

Future of Air Travel: The Rise of Biometrics and Digital Identity

Future of Air Travel: The Rise of Biometrics and Digital Identity — Sanctifly – Blog image
In a world where speed and convenience are paramount, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released compelling insights from a global passenger survey, indicating a growing appetite for streamlined and secure air travel experiences. The findings underscore a shift in passenger preferences towards leveraging biometrics and off-airport processes, setting the stage for a revolution in the way we book airfare and navigate through airports.

The Need for Streamlined Processes

Passengers have spoken, and their message is clear:they desire less time spent on booking and faster airport journeys. Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security, emphasizes this point, stating, “ Passengers have made it clear: They want to spend less time booking and move through the airport faster”. The survey, with over 8,000 responses from more than 200 countries, reveals that three-quarters of passengers prefer using biometric data over traditional passports and boarding passes. Additionally, nearly 90% are willing to share immigration information to expedite the airport arrival process.As a global leading traveler wellness company, Sanctifly also embodies the essence of seamless travel by offering members access to 4000+ premium airport lounges, gyms, and other amenities at 200+ locations globally, empowering passengers to optimize their travel downtime. Sanctifly ensures swift and secure access to these facilities, eliminating the hassle of traditional check-ins.
Future of Air Travel: The Rise of Biometrics and Digital Identity — Sanctifly – Blog image

IATA's Vision for Future Travel

To address the demand of passengers to use biometric data to expedite pre-departure tasks, IATA announced the successful test of a fully integrated digital identity travel experience. This milestone was achieved during a British Airways flight from London’s Heathrow Airport to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. The journey showcased the potential of using biometrics alongside integrated digital travel documents to create a seamless and secure travel experience.Key Highlights of the Test Journey:Fully Digital Travel Documents:The test traveler shared data stored on a smartphone's digital wallet with a travel agent, receiving personalized offers from airlines.Verifiable Credentials:After selecting an offer, the passenger receives a verifiable credential stored on the digital wallet, eliminating the need for a traditional e-ticket.Digital Passport Integration:By sharing a digital passport with the airline, the passenger received confirmation and a seat assignment via text message, without manual data input.Biometric Data Utilization:The traveler, by opting to share biometric data at a biometric-enabled airport and airline, experienced a hassle-free journey through security, airport lounges, and boarding with just a facial scan.With this test result, IATA envisions a future where air travel is fully digital and secured with biometric identification, offering passengers a convenient and seamless option.
Future of Air Travel: The Rise of Biometrics and Digital Identity — Sanctifly – Blog image

The Path Forward: IATA's One ID Initiative

The survey highlights the willingness of passengers to embrace technology for a more efficient travel experience. IATA is actively promoting its One ID initiative, emphasizing the "Digitization of Admissibility" standards. The initiative seeks to allow passengers to obtain all necessary pre-travel authorizations digitally, bypassing on-airport document verifications for a faster and more streamlined travel experience.Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, emphasizes the role of standards in implementing such programs. While acknowledging that it might take a year or two to develop these standards, he envisions a future where technology facilitates a seamless and convenient option for passengers.

Benefits of Biometrics and Digital Identity in Air Travel

The integration of biometrics and digital identity in air travel comes with multiple benefits.Enhanced Security:Biometric data provides a more secure method of identity verification, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.Time Efficiency:Streamlined processes, from booking to airport navigation, reduce wait times and enhance the overall efficiency of air travel.Convenience:Passengers enjoy a hassle-free experience, with personalized offers, digital passports, and facial scans replacing traditional processes.Global Cooperation:The success of these initiatives requires collaboration across the value chain and with governments, fostering a global approach to secure and efficient travel.The IATA's efforts and the positive response from passengers signal a promising future for air travel, where convenience and security go hand in hand towards a more convenient future. As we anticipate further developments in the digitalization of air travel, at Sanctifly we remain committed to providing you with a premium airport experience. The prospect of a fully integrated digital identity travel experience aligns with our collective vision for a more convenient and secure future in travel.To know more about Sanctifly's offerings for Corporate travelers click the button below.
← Back to Blog