The pilot of digital identity and face biometrics for airport clearance based on IATA’s One ID in Asia slashed processing times at key touchpoints were reduced by 40 percent, according to a blog post from Neoke, which supplied one of two digital wallets used.
NEC face biometrics were utilized for the pilot, which involved flights between Hong Kong Airport and Narita Airport on the outskirts of Tokyo. The successful completion of the pilot was announced last October. Two passengers used different digital wallets and credentials for round-trips between the two airports on Cathay Pacific. Facephi, Branchspace, Northern Block and SICPA were also involved.
Cathay Pacific just signed a deal with SITA to substantially increase the network bandwidth available at its airports, which will be an important resource for transitioning airport ID checks to users’ mobile devices. SITA is positioning itself as the provider of infrastructure, even if not the biometric technology, through its Digital Travel Ecosystem. The company explains in a blog post how the ecosystem, which Idemia and Indicio are partners in, allows airports to integrate emerging technologies and standards “like the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Digital Travel Credential (ICAO DTC) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) OneID.”
The main purpose of the pilot was to assess the interoperability of the technology used. Not only did the system work as intended, Neoke says, but travelers benefitted from the security advantages of decentralized digital identity, cryptographically signed verifiable credentials and improved user experience. The airports gained operational efficiency.
“The pilot proved that verifiable credentials and biometrics can streamline air travel, reducing friction while enhancing security and compliance,” Neoke writes in the post. “For airlines, airports, and regulators, the path forward is clear—embracing decentralized identity solutions to drive efficiency, compliance, and a superior passenger experience.”
Neoke’s ePassport and biometric verification solution was used for identity proofing, by comparing a selfie to the data embedded in the passports’ NFC chip, with image quality assessment and liveness detection.
The process was compliant with eIDAS, GDPR and CCPA regulations and ICAO’s standards…
