Passengers Want Convenience and Technology to Improve Processes, Regional Preferences Diverging
The results of IATA’s 2024 Global Passenger Survey reveal that travelers continue to prioritize convenience and speed.
For a smoother travel experience, they are eager to use biometric identification and complete some travel processes before reaching the airport.
"Passengers want flexibility and transparency when planning and booking travel, plus speed and convenience at the airport. More are embracing biometrics, digital wallets, and off-airport processes to make it happen," said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security.
Learn more about the 2024 Global Passenger Survey.
Fully Digital Travel Experience Closer to Reality
IATA and its partners have successfully demonstrated that the industry is ready to deliver a fully digital air travel experience.
This was achieved in a proof-of-concept (PoC) involving two passengers using different digital wallets and travel credentials on a round-trip between Hong Kong and Tokyo.
IATA partnered with Cathay Pacific, Airport Authority Hong Kong, Narita International Airport Corporation, Branchspace - digital reinvented, Facephi, NEC Corporation, Neoke, Northern Block, and SICPA for the travel which took place on 21 and 22 October.
The airport elements of this PoC were conducted in a live environment, building on an initial PoC carried out in a test environment in 2023.
In the PoC, two travelers used digital wallets containing their digital passport, company ID, and frequent flyer credentials to obtain personalized offers, book a flight, obtain a visa, check their travel documentation, check-in and receive boarding passes.
The travelers used biometric identification to manage airport processes in a live environment without repeatedly showing their travel documents.
The successful journey integrated seven verifiable credentials (ePassport copy, live biometric image, visa copy, company ID, frequent flyer membership, order, and boarding pass), two digital wallets and a trust registry to verify issuers.
Tags:Nick Careen, IATA
