The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched its Contactless Travel Directory, a new resource aimed at accelerating the adoption of contactless travel solutions. This directory is designed to help airlines quickly identify and implement biometric travel services at airports, enhancing the overall efficiency and experience for travelers.
Contactless travel utilizes biometric solutions to replace traditional paper documentation, such as passports and boarding passes. This innovation is expected to streamline several travel processes, including bag drop, lounge access, security screening, and boarding, by enabling smoother transitions using biometric identification.
The Contactless Travel Directory offers several key features:
A central reference point for airlines to check the availability of biometric touchpoints across their network.
Information on traveler eligibility by location, so airlines can identify which passengers can access contactless services.
Technical protocols that allow airlines to connect with other airports or airlines’ biometric systems.
Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security, emphasized the growing role of biometric technology in meeting traveler expectations for efficiency. “This directory, alongside IATA’s One ID initiative, aims to accelerate the transition to contactless travel with vital data and global standards,” Careen said.
