Today, customers are required to show their passport multiple times across their journey including for check-in, boarding, transit and arrival processes. With airlines, airports, border agencies and partner airlines all carrying out separate checks, the experience can be time-consuming and fragmented.
To help change that, Air New Zealand is working with partners to test a digital identity that allows customers to add their passport information in the Air NZ app, securely share verified identity information at online check-in, and then use that information to support *biometric verification at selected touchpoints across the journey. The pilot also supported the use of Apple Wallet's Digital ID.
The technology is designed to make travel easier from the outset. It can prefill passport details, help customers understand what documents they need for their trip and enable verified information to be used across multiple journey touchpoints.
Customers would not need to repeatedly present their passport throughout their journey. Instead, at selected airport touchpoints, a live facial scan could be matched to the passport image securely shared from the traveller's digital wallet, reducing the need for repeated document checks.
The trial also included integration with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), making it easier for customers to complete the online form.
Privacy and consent are central to the trial, with customers remaining in control of their information, including when, how and with whom it is shared. Essential security protocols are also maintained throughout the process.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien says the trial marks an important step toward a simpler, more connected travel experience.
"Our ambition is to make travel easier from start to finish. That means fewer document checks, less time queueing and a smoother experience overall.
"This trial shows how digital identity could help create a more seamless journey, while also improving security through encrypted data and customer-controlled information sharing."
In the March pilot, participants travelling on a return journey between Auckland and Hong Kong were able to share their digital ID during online check-in, with that verified information then supporting biometric scans throughout the journey.
The trial brought together multiple partners and systems, including integration with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, the IATA Travel Directory, Hong Kong International Airport's Flight Token framework and Air New Zealand's own check-in.
Air New Zealand is working closely with government agencies and industry partners to further develop the solution. The airline is also sharing insights from the trial with global aviation bodies, including IATA.
Air New Zealand will now explore a broader pilot and options to trial the technology across different ports, with Australia a key focus for the next phase.
