Revolutionizing Air Travel: The Digital Travel Credential is set to overhaul the way we travel, making it more efficient and convenient for passengers. With a new digital travel credential, traditional check-in processes may become a thing of the past.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN body responsible for crafting airline policy, is set to overhaul the way we travel with a new digital travel credential. This innovative system aims to digitize air transport, making it more efficient and convenient for passengers.
Digital travel credentials are emerging as a secure and convenient alternative to traditional paper passports.
These digital documents use blockchain technology to store traveler information, ensuring authenticity and reducing the risk of tampering or forgery.
Several countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, have already implemented digital travel credential systems.
These systems allow travelers to present their digital credentials at immigration checkpoints, streamlining the process and reducing wait times.
The End of Traditional Check-in
Under the proposed rules, passengers would store their passport information on their phones, eliminating the need for traditional check-in processes. Instead, flyers would download a ‘journey pass‘ to their phone when they book a flight. This digital pass would be automatically updated if any changes are made to the booking.
Facial Recognition and Verification
The new technology also includes facial recognition as a means of verification. Passengers would upload their passports to their phones, allowing them to travel through airports using their face for identification. Airlines would no longer need to manually check in passengers; instead, they would be alerted when passengers arrive at the airport and their face is scanned.
Facial recognition is a biometric technology that uses algorithms to map and identify an individual's facial features.
It works by analyzing the unique characteristics of a person's face, such as the distance between their eyes or the shape of their nose.
Facial recognition has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with applications in security systems, border control, and even mobile devices.
According to a study, the global facial recognition market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2025.
Infrastructure Upgrades
To implement this new system successfully, infrastructure upgrades at airports are necessary. This includes the installation of facial recognition technology and the ability to read a passport from a mobile device. According to Valérie Viale, director of product management at Amadeus, ‘Many airline systems haven’t changed for more than 50 years because everything has to be consistent across the industry and interoperable.‘
Benefits and Challenges
The new digital travel credential is expected to bring several benefits, including reduced wait times and increased efficiency. However, there are also concerns about privacy and data security. Amadeus has developed a system that ensures passengers’ details are wiped within 15 seconds of each contact with a ‘touchpoint‘ – such as the pre-security gates.
Digital travel credentials offer several benefits, including enhanced security and streamlined travel processes.
They reduce the risk of document loss or theft, as travelers can access their information digitally.
Additionally, digital credentials enable faster processing at border control checkpoints, reducing wait times.
They also provide an eco-friendly alternative to paper documents, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Seamless Connections
The technology being developed could also change how delays and connecting flights are handled. Passengers who miss connecting flights due to delays out of their control would automatically receive notifications on their phones with details of their new onward flight. Their journey pass would automatically update, allowing them to board the new flight.
In summary, the digital travel credential is a game-changer for air travel. By digitizing traditional check-in processes and incorporating facial recognition technology, airlines can improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall passenger experience.
- theguardian.com | Boarding passes and check in could be scrapped in air travel shake up
