The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled its new Contactless Travel Directory, a resource aimed at accelerating the adoption of contactless travel solutions across the aviation industry. This initiative is designed to help airlines quickly implement biometric solutions at various airports, including through partnerships with other airlines.
Contactless travel uses interoperable biometric technology to streamline the travel process, allowing passengers to bypass traditional paper documents like passports and boarding passes. The technology can improve several stages of the journey, including bag drop, lounge access, security checks, and boarding.
The Contactless Travel Directory offers airlines a centralized reference point for determining the availability of biometric travel touchpoints across their networks. It also provides information on traveler eligibility by location, ensuring airlines know which passengers can access contactless services, and outlines the technical protocols necessary to connect with biometric touchpoints at airports and partner airlines.
“As travelers demand greater efficiency, biometric recognition technology is becoming a key enabler in modernizing air travel,” said Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security. “This directory, along with IATA’s One ID initiative, is a crucial step toward accelerating the adoption of biometric travel with global standards and essential data.”
At this week’s Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, several companies, including Idemia Public Security, AirWare, and iPassport, are demonstrating the directory’s capabilities. Attendees can experience a simulated check-in process through the WorldJet Airline App and pass through biometric touchpoints at IDEMIA booths.
“We are thrilled to showcase IATA’s Contactless Travel Directory, which will play a vital role in enabling seamless travel experiences using IDEMIA’s secure biometric technologies,” said Tim Ferris, Senior Vice President of Travel & Transport at IDEMIA Public Security. “IDEMIA is committed to enhancing the global travel process, and we are excited to continue our partnership with IATA to further the adoption of contactless travel worldwide.”
