Digital ID security initiative launches
IATA has announced the launch of an initiative for a global standard for the digital identification of travellers, in an effort to enhance passenger travel security.
The ‘secure-travel’ (s-Travel) project will include digital authentication of people to enable secure physical and electronic airline and airport processing for frequent air travellers. The project will develop and implement systems to authenticate passengers at both check-in and boarding stages, based on modification to the airlines’ Departure Control Systems (DCS).
Later this year, the European Commission (EC) and Swiss Office for Education and Science funded consortium will undertake trials in Europe, with the intention of the service being expanded globally.
Commenting on the initiative, IATA Director General and CEO Pierre J. Jeanniot, said: “Strict procedures need to be followed to ensure the proper authentication of individuals and IATA’s participation in this initiative will involve defining the optimum enrolment procedures and processes. This will contribute to the definition of global standards that will help secure the air transportation system and improve passenger confidence.”
SITA Director General John Watson commented: “SITA is spearheading the development of a global aviation community solution that aims to greatly enhance passenger travel security. SITA has a long tradition of serving the needs of aviation as a neutral provider, deploying community solutions – many of which are now industry standards. Community solutions enable applications to be shared, giving access to the latest technologies while significantly driving down costs.”
The s-Travel initiative will combine digital certificates (provided jointly by SITA – the provider of global information and telecommunications solutions to the air transport industry – and IATA), smart-cards (GEMPLUS) and biometric technology integration (KEYWARE). To ensure that the s-Travel system does not infringe upon the privacy of frequent travellers the consortium said it will work closely with the EC and relevant data commissioners to resolve confidentiality issues.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025